Parliamentary Vs Presidential System Which suits best for India now?
What is Parliamentary and Presidential system?
Modern democratic governments are classified into parliamentary and presidential system based on the nature of relation between the legislature and executive organs of the government. In parliamentary system, executives are part of legislature and they are responsible to the elected representatives for the policies (based on principle of collective responsibility) whereas in presidential system both are organs are separated and executives are not responsible to the legislature (based on the principle of separation of powers).
Merits of Parliamentary system:
1. Responsible government
2. Harmony between legislature and executive
3. Wider representation
Demerits:
4. Unstable government
2. Government by amateurs
Merits of Presidential system:
6. Stable government
2. Government by experts
3. Speed and decisive in policy making
Demerits:
9. Non-responsible government
2. Conflict between legislature and executive
3. Narrow representation
4. May lead to autocracy
Why Parliamentary system was chosen for India?
India was familiarized with the parliamentary system under British rule that followed the parliamentary system. So it would be easy for us to get used to the system than adopting a new system at that time when India was faced with high illiteracy and to avoid unnecessary confusion among people.
Also when there was option to choose between parliamentary and presidential system, it was based on the merits of the parliamentary system, our framers of the constitution preferred parliamentary system for its collective responsibility rather than the stability of the presidential and it was Ambedkar who pointed out in constituent assembly that, unfortunately there was no system to have both stability and responsibility at equal levels. Will see how these merits for which parliamentary system chosen had become danger in itself.
They wanted wider representation because of our countrys diversified nature so that the elected representative could highlight the issues and demands of their constituencies.
They wanted a harmonious relation between legislative and executive organs of the government so that development could be carried out smoothly and quickly rather than the confliction between the two organs hindering the development process.
What is the issue with the prevailing system (parliamentary) in India?
The system is embroiled with huge corruption, lot of scams, and policy paralysis in recent years because of lack of proper accountability and responsibility thus hampering the developmental process. Also the increased intervention by the Supreme Court in the executive and legislative functions due to improper functioning of these organs.
Firstly, the corruption could have been avoided greatly if the political executives are vigilant enough in monitoring the implementation of the schemes and punishing the permanent executives for their neglect and mistakes. It is due to their lack of professionalism and lack of management skills (due to amateurism), the lower level bureaucracies engaged in illegal practices. Moreover the political executives itself involved in huge corruption which goes unnoticed most of the time.
Secondly, the principle of collective responsibility itself is undermined. The improper functioning of the executives is not questioned effectively in the parliament due to the very concept of formation of government based on majority party ruling. MP or MLA supporting to ruling party would never question the governments decisions fear of losing his party ticket. Opposition party member when they does not have enough numbers are ineffective in questioning. Even when they question they are over ridden easily. Thus whenever a bill is put to vote, the ruling party is able to make it easily with their numbers, not to say when there is absolute majority. In 1931, Lloyd George, British PM told, "Parliament has really no control over the executive; it is a pure fiction."
Thirdly, the wider representation of people is also to be questioned particularly with the North-Eastern states and other smaller states whose support is not needed with their lesser numbers for forming the government are not equitably represented and unable to raise their grievances in a formal manner, thus resorting to violent methods. Moreover people do not elect their representatives based on his/her merit and quality, but based on the party he/she belongs to. If this happens, how could they represent their constituency in a proper way addressing their grievances? They would only be loyal to the party head.
Fourthly, due to inability in representing Indias diversity, the emergence of regional parties and coalition politics comes to play a major role. Though it is a very welcome one, rather than playing the advantageous role of giving constructive inputs of various regions and the development of the country, it has been playing the negative role of capturing power and thus hampering the decision making process and policy deliberation resulting in stagnation (policy paralysis).
Fifthly, smaller parties having major say in the formation of government, they try to capture more power and demand portfolios for their candidates irrespective of their capability and quality. These candidates are involving in huge corruption and other criminal activities. These candidates becoming Union ministers because of the influence of coalition politics have not spoken a single word in parliament. For example, Union minister for fertilizers and chemicals Mr.Alagiri from DMK. Also every regional party wanted their demands to be met and when it is not done so they withdraw their support to the government frequently leading to fall of the government (instability). Otherwise the countrys development is compromised for the sake of power. Countries like Italy, Australia, Japan are very good examples other than India facing frequent instability.
Sixthly, the very harmonious relation between the legislature and executives resulted in the lack of accountability and the executives are not questioned in the parliament by the legislatures who are trying to retain their support to the government and thus enjoying illegal benefits.
What is the current trend?
People elect their representatives not based on the individuals track record, but based on the major party (Congress or BJP, DMK or ADMK, SP or BSP, etc.) or the charisma of the partys individual (Rahul Vs Modi, Karunanidhi Vs Jayalalitha, Yadav Vs Mayawathi). This resembles the presidential candidatures of two parties.
People if truly elect their representatives, then they must be empowered to recall those elected representatives whenever found to be corrupt, inefficient and not responsive to their demands. But as Quraishi (former chief election commissioner) said such a recall method is very difficult to implement in such a large country like India.
Frequent conflict between the Centre and the States as States feel their autonomy is undermined. Recent examples such as Food security bill, NCTC, etc. This could be avoided by following the USA model of complete federation as the regional parties have larger say than the national parties in many states.
For a large and diversified country like India, it is highly difficult to run the government with more of centralization. There should be more autonomy given to the states and only the matters related to national problems to be retained by the Centre similar to that of USA model. Even Rajaji supported the cabinet mission proposal of having a Union with only defence, external affairs, and communication matters and resting all other matters to the States with more autonomy before independence but due to various reasons it was not followed.
Why do we need to choose presidential system?
Presidential system based on separation of powers is the need of the hour for India as the harmonious relation between the executive and legislature is the main cause of corruption in our country. This system also offers good stability as the head of the government is chosen directly by the people and his government is not based on the support from the parties once chosen. Legislatures from both the parties (supporting and opposition) could question the executives decisions as their support is not needed to run the government. Also the policies are deliberated, discussed quickly with expert knowledge and implemented considering only the welfare of the people of the country and not about the power politics.
Also the USA model of representation holds very good where in the Congress lower house represents people based on population and upper house (Senate) represents people based on number of states, thus eliminating regional disparity and maintaining a balance between larger and smaller states.
There are critics that presidential system would lead to autocratic nature but this is avoided with necessary checks and balances like periodic elections every 4yrs and not more than two terms as in USA unlike North African countries where it is extended for decades. Also the executives activities are thoroughly monitored and debated in the parliament and there are independent commissions to check the malpractices and report to the congress. While saying this, in parliamentarian system even cabinet with party having absolute majority may become autocratic (like the one during Indira Gandhi period of Emergency).
Presidential system criticized as narrow in representing peoples opinion in executives decision but legislatures are elected with wider representation that however needs to approve those decisions and policies made by the executives. Hence the wider representation is ensured this way.
Finally it is not that corruption is not present in presidential system but to a lesser extent as executives are directly appointed by president who is again directly responsible to people. But ironically World Banks recent report has stated that corruption is more in Presidential system. Need to check on this as this could be more in the autocratic presidential system than in the democratic one.
Conclusion:
The government thus embroiled with policy paralysis, inability to make decisions because of coalition power politics and corruption because of lack of responsibility and accountability, it is high time to consider to change to presidential or any other alternative system with proper checks and balances for the development of the country. In 1975, a committee was formed under Swaran Singh to consider the necessity of change in the system but he recommended continuing with the existing system then. That could have been said based on the stability enjoyed by the governments till then with congress party majority and lesser role of regional parties and coalition politics and its problems. Moreover nil or very less scams occurred during those days. It was fine our constitution framers chose parliamentary system preferring responsibility than stability during that time of independence because it was one major party, Congress hold the entire country giving less chances of instability and thus wanted to ensure responsibility. Also whatever merits were considered for choosing the parliamentary system, all of them prove to be dangerous now as mentioned above in smooth functioning of the government. But in todays scenario the government needs to constitute another commission to analyze and review the change of the system and yes it will cost huge and have mammoth changes right from rewriting the constitution if decided to shift. Thus we need decisive and stable government to speed up the development process that can be achieved only by choosing presidential system of government.
References:
1. Indian Polity Laxmikanth
2. Wikipedia
3. http://www.gyanunlimited.com/politics/coalition-politics-dynamism-in-india/842/
Name G.Dineshkumar
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
NUCLEAR LIABILITY LAW
* Why did India enact a nuclear liability law?
* As per the Department of Atomic Energy, India plans to increase its nuclear energy production to 20,000 Mwe by 2020 and 63,000 Mwe by 2032. Currently India has an installed capacity of 4560 Mwe. To increase the share of nuclear power, foreign companies would need to be involved in the manufacture and supply of nuclear reactors.
* The nuclear liability law or the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, was enacted in order to attract the US companies involved in nuclear commerce such asGeneral ElectricandWestinghouse. The law would help these private companies in getting insurance cover in their home state. Thus, the law helped in the realization of the Indo-U.S. Nuclear deal of 2008.
* Further, the nuclear liability law will legally and financially bind the operator and the government to provide relief to the affected population in the case of a nuclear accident.
* What are the concerns of nuclear suppliers regarding this law?
* The Act has two unique features.
* First, the operator would have the ability to reclaim any compensation it may pay from a supplier, by applying a subjective test, i.e., if the product or services have patent or latent defects or are substandard (right of recourse) (Section 17(b)).
* Second, Section 46 of the Act has the effect of making the supplier subject to any other law in India that may apply to an industrial accident (e.g., criminal liability or a claim of damages under tort law).
* Both aspects have caused significant anxiety to foreign governments and suppliers. No law anywhere in the world concerning nuclear liability places such broad liability principles on the supplier. The suppliers argued that the law goes beyond international rules. Liability law is being looked on as a "deterrent" for suppliers to sell into the Indian nuclear market.
* How can India allay the fears of nuclear suppliers about Indias nuclear liabilitylaw without amending it?
* The Act, as it stands, has various ambiguities in relation to the scope of supplier liability. These ambiguities are undoubtedly a hurdle for foreign suppliers and ought to be clarified or removed.
* To allay the fears of nuclear suppliers, Government is working on a proposal with the public sector General Insurance Corporation to provide insurance cover to nuclear industry. Part of the process involves drawing up premium rates for specific parts of a power reactor so that the actuarial burden of any direct or indirect liability in the event of an accident can be quantified in advance and factored into any price negotiations between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. and its Russian, U.S. and French suppliers.
* Is the Law biased in favour of nuclear industry? Some controversial aspects:
* The Act effectively caps the maximum amount of liability in case of each nuclear accident at 77 million to be paid by the operator, and if the cost of the damage exceeds this amount special drawing rights up to 300 million will be paid by the central Government. This amount will be grossly inadequate in a severe case like nuclear accident.
* While in most advanced countries the private sector is actively involved in nuclear power generation, in India it is controlled entirely by the government. The state-owned Nuclear power corporation is the sole producer of nuclear power in India. Consequently under nuclear liability laws, in the event of accident compensation that may be payable would have to be borne by these entities, means by the Government and therefore, ultimately by the taxpayers of India.
* Section 17 of the Act allows only the operator (NPCIL) to sue the manufacturers and suppliers. Victims will not be able to sue anyone.
* Section 18 of the Act limits the time to make a claim within 10 years. This is considered to be short as there may be long term damages.
* According to section 35 of the Act the operator or the responsible persons in case of a nuclear accident will undergo the trial under Nuclear damage commission and no civil court is given the authority.
* Why it was recently in News ? :
1) In some sections of media (19 September 2013,The Hindu), it was recently reported that the Attorney General has provided a legal opinion to the government opining that Section 17(a) provides for a right of recourse if such right is expressly provided for in a contract in writing and the operator is therefore free to choose not to incorporate such a provision in its contract with the supplier.
* It effectively means diluting the suppliers liability as the Indian nuclear operators may have to waive their right of recourse against a foreign supplier in the event that an accident is caused by faulty equipment.
2) It was remained a topic of concern between USA and India during the recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to USA.
3) With suppliers raising concerns over certain aspects of theNuclear Liability Act, the Department ofAtomic Energyhas decided to look into these worries to weed out "unnecessary liability".
TheDAEhas formed two committees to find out a middle path on the controversial issue keeping in view the concerns of foreign companies and Indian Atomic Industrial Forum (IAIF), of which NPCIL and companies that manufacture components for nuclear power plants are a part.
The recommendations made by the committee could also help weed out "unnecessary liability" which may not be applicable to many suppliers.
Name: Ms Vandana Hiraji Parmar
References:
News paper: The Hindu (Sept 20, 2013, Oct 18, 2013, Net searching)
* As per the Department of Atomic Energy, India plans to increase its nuclear energy production to 20,000 Mwe by 2020 and 63,000 Mwe by 2032. Currently India has an installed capacity of 4560 Mwe. To increase the share of nuclear power, foreign companies would need to be involved in the manufacture and supply of nuclear reactors.
* The nuclear liability law or the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, was enacted in order to attract the US companies involved in nuclear commerce such asGeneral ElectricandWestinghouse. The law would help these private companies in getting insurance cover in their home state. Thus, the law helped in the realization of the Indo-U.S. Nuclear deal of 2008.
* Further, the nuclear liability law will legally and financially bind the operator and the government to provide relief to the affected population in the case of a nuclear accident.
* What are the concerns of nuclear suppliers regarding this law?
* The Act has two unique features.
* First, the operator would have the ability to reclaim any compensation it may pay from a supplier, by applying a subjective test, i.e., if the product or services have patent or latent defects or are substandard (right of recourse) (Section 17(b)).
* Second, Section 46 of the Act has the effect of making the supplier subject to any other law in India that may apply to an industrial accident (e.g., criminal liability or a claim of damages under tort law).
* Both aspects have caused significant anxiety to foreign governments and suppliers. No law anywhere in the world concerning nuclear liability places such broad liability principles on the supplier. The suppliers argued that the law goes beyond international rules. Liability law is being looked on as a "deterrent" for suppliers to sell into the Indian nuclear market.
* How can India allay the fears of nuclear suppliers about Indias nuclear liabilitylaw without amending it?
* The Act, as it stands, has various ambiguities in relation to the scope of supplier liability. These ambiguities are undoubtedly a hurdle for foreign suppliers and ought to be clarified or removed.
* To allay the fears of nuclear suppliers, Government is working on a proposal with the public sector General Insurance Corporation to provide insurance cover to nuclear industry. Part of the process involves drawing up premium rates for specific parts of a power reactor so that the actuarial burden of any direct or indirect liability in the event of an accident can be quantified in advance and factored into any price negotiations between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. and its Russian, U.S. and French suppliers.
* Is the Law biased in favour of nuclear industry? Some controversial aspects:
* The Act effectively caps the maximum amount of liability in case of each nuclear accident at 77 million to be paid by the operator, and if the cost of the damage exceeds this amount special drawing rights up to 300 million will be paid by the central Government. This amount will be grossly inadequate in a severe case like nuclear accident.
* While in most advanced countries the private sector is actively involved in nuclear power generation, in India it is controlled entirely by the government. The state-owned Nuclear power corporation is the sole producer of nuclear power in India. Consequently under nuclear liability laws, in the event of accident compensation that may be payable would have to be borne by these entities, means by the Government and therefore, ultimately by the taxpayers of India.
* Section 17 of the Act allows only the operator (NPCIL) to sue the manufacturers and suppliers. Victims will not be able to sue anyone.
* Section 18 of the Act limits the time to make a claim within 10 years. This is considered to be short as there may be long term damages.
* According to section 35 of the Act the operator or the responsible persons in case of a nuclear accident will undergo the trial under Nuclear damage commission and no civil court is given the authority.
* Why it was recently in News ? :
1) In some sections of media (19 September 2013,The Hindu), it was recently reported that the Attorney General has provided a legal opinion to the government opining that Section 17(a) provides for a right of recourse if such right is expressly provided for in a contract in writing and the operator is therefore free to choose not to incorporate such a provision in its contract with the supplier.
* It effectively means diluting the suppliers liability as the Indian nuclear operators may have to waive their right of recourse against a foreign supplier in the event that an accident is caused by faulty equipment.
2) It was remained a topic of concern between USA and India during the recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to USA.
3) With suppliers raising concerns over certain aspects of theNuclear Liability Act, the Department ofAtomic Energyhas decided to look into these worries to weed out "unnecessary liability".
TheDAEhas formed two committees to find out a middle path on the controversial issue keeping in view the concerns of foreign companies and Indian Atomic Industrial Forum (IAIF), of which NPCIL and companies that manufacture components for nuclear power plants are a part.
The recommendations made by the committee could also help weed out "unnecessary liability" which may not be applicable to many suppliers.
Name: Ms Vandana Hiraji Parmar
References:
News paper: The Hindu (Sept 20, 2013, Oct 18, 2013, Net searching)
Nuclear AND chemical weapon Peace or Destruction
Nuclear AND chemical weapon Peace or Destruction
Let us start with a story- It is the story of Sadako sasaki-. It was August 6, 1945. She was a Japanese girl, only 2 years old when a nucleur bomb was thrown on Hiroshima. She was blown from the window of his house, her mother started finding her and at last finded her alive. In November, 1954 she developed swelling on her neck and behind her ears. In January, 1955 purple spots had formed on her legs. She was taken to hospital in 21 February, 1954 and was diagnosed with Leukemia. In Hospital his best friend Chizako Hamamito came and cut a gold piece of paper into a square and folds it into a paper crane because of an ancient Japanese story that promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be given a wish by God. But she folded only 644 cranes before her death not because she cannot get time but because she cannot get paper. Lastly, she died on the morning of October 25, 1955 at the age of 12.
Lets go back a little bit earlier,
The world is in fury that exists due to the existence of Atomic Bomb or nucleur weapons. DO your mind raise the question of how, what and how it was invented. It first lay its foundation in Manhattan Project just before the beginning of the second world war in 1939, when there is a competition between Germany and USA- Einstein wrote a letter to Roosevelt to develop Nuclear weapons otherwise Germany creates them first, for this Roosevelt on June 28, 1941 signed executive order 8807 with vinevar Bush as its Director. A team work under Enrico Fermi on December 2, 1944 first successfully testified nucleur chain reactions. The most important material for making Atom Bomb was Uranium 235. Early designs were like Uranium gun type but after July, 1944 the bulk of research was focused on Plutonium designs. The first test was conclude on 7 may 1945and named as the Gadget. TO end the second war on August 6 and 9 colonel paul tibbets departed Tinian with the bomb, dubbed little boy on a Japanese city Hiroshima and Fat man on Nagasaki respectively which brought a complete devastation in both the places in particular and over all Japan in General.
Slowly every country to make themselves powerful started developing nuclear weapons A number of countries successfully testified Nuclear weapons one after the another USA, Soviet Union( Russia), UK, France, People Republic of China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.
With the advancement of Nuclear weapons in more and more countries there grew the fear of devastation in the whole world. So steps were made towards limitation of both the proliferation of Nuclear weapon and towards environmental effects of nuclear technology. In 1957, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under UN was formed to encourage development of peaceful Application for Nuclear Technology. In 1963, Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) in 1968 Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1996, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) These are certain steps made by Nuclear countries to limit their nuclear weapons,
CTBT It is not in operation because it requires ratification by 44 specific states before it came into force, in 2012 also the ratification of 8 more states is still required.
One nuclear Bomb can take the life of huge number of people, among everything this put most serious and dangerous effect on Environment and human health. India though a Nuclear Weapon is not a member of any of the Treaty because it believe that a country to protect itself from foreign attack should have a minimum nuclear deterrence.
Through this we can easily conclude that Nuclear weapon if uses for peaceful purpose are a helpful object but if got in the wrong hands can create a devastating situation, more devastating than even natural calamity.
United States has captured every country in Middle East except Iran only because it posses nuclear weapons an even after signing NPT, it always remain as an advantaged position as the one and only powerful nation in the world and a permanent member of the United Nation Security Council. For US it seems that there is no restriction on anything.
Now, we came in the age of Chemical and Biological Attacks. A very common and recent example of Syria chemical weapon attack is even harsher than nuclear attack. Report says that On August 21, The Government of Syria has used chemical weapon against the civilians in its capital Damascus Ghouta Area in which 1429 people were killed and among which 426 were children. It was seen that in the chemical weapon a poisonous chemical named Sarin was used. Sarin is an extremely toxic substance and was classified as weapons of mass destruction by the United Nations according to UN Resolution 687, and its production was stockpiling was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. When it expose to vapour then it can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, generalized twitching, flaccid paralysis, lapses in breathing, generalized secretions, involuntary defection ( In case of Severe Exposure).
Chemical Weapons Convention is an arms control treaty which outlaws the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons signed on 13 June 1993 and became effective from 29th April 1997 with 165 signatories and 189 parties to this treaty. Recently Syria for its act was forced to submit its chemical weapons to the organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons. There are also other countries like Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan who are not party to this treaty.
There are 17,300 nuclear weapons in the world across nine countries headed by Russia and United States. According to a data US spend 20$ billion a year on its nuclear arsenals. Even India and Pakistan are also nuclear power. India become nuclear power in 1997 and in 1998 Pakistan also copied India and successfully test fired its nuclear power.
Nuclear power which can be rename as Destruction, Many have affiliated nuclear weapons as deserving credit for keeping the peace during Cold war and times beyond till now. They were seen as positive contributors to establish a peaceful and just world. A nuclear weapon country is always remaining in an advantaged position. No other country, dare to go against it as there will always remain a sort of fear of the nuclear power. That is the main reason no other country ever tries to go against United States of America because everyone knew that they will not declare war by cavalry, armed force, military force, air force but just simply, within a few seconds put a bomb then the situation will just like Hiroshima and Nagasaki. USA though it signed and ratified the Non Proliferation Treaty but still it doesnt take the provision of that treaty seriously but always imposed restrictions on other countries to prepare Nuclear power. India always considered USA as its big brother, not because of respect but because of Fear and the assurance that if tomorrow any other country attacked India, USA will surely help India. The relationship between India and USA became bitter when Atal Behari Vajpayee instead of thinking about USA successfully test fired Nuclear weapon and declared India a Nuclear country. India not a signatory to the NPT, because it considered that treaty as partial and making a clear distinction between the have and have nots.
India got a new stand in the world politics after being a nuclear power country. India decided to be a nuclear power not to attack other countries but he considered that in todays nuclear age if one country wants to be safe and secure he should posses Nuclear powers.
From the above discussion it can be concluded that Nuclear power can be considered as means of peace and at the same time for destruction. It is dependent upon the country that how it uses it Like USA or like India? USA always attempts to create a fear of terror on the basis of his nuclear power. Recently Edward Snowden has released the information that USA has secretly taping information of others country and also hacking information from the Face book Account. But no other country dares to ask questions regarding this matter to USA inspite of severe case of violations. When USA imposed restriction on the entry of Snowden into the boundary of his country no other country came forward to give asylum to Snowden. Latter Russia approves to take that step. But all this simply shows that it is totally because of fear of USA Nuclear power. USA has always misused its powers. It posses Nuclear power not to stop terror but to create terror.
India, a peace loving country always opposes war has become a Nuclear power only because Everyone considered a Nuclear power country is powerful and nobody tries to attack it. But in case anyone does that Indians apply the formula of Tit for Tat.
Natural disasters are terrifying that loss of control, this feeling that something is just going to randomly end your life for absolutely no reason is terrifying. But what scares me is the human reaction to it and how people behave when the rules of civility and society are obliterated Eli Roth.
PAYAL AGARWAL
Let us start with a story- It is the story of Sadako sasaki-. It was August 6, 1945. She was a Japanese girl, only 2 years old when a nucleur bomb was thrown on Hiroshima. She was blown from the window of his house, her mother started finding her and at last finded her alive. In November, 1954 she developed swelling on her neck and behind her ears. In January, 1955 purple spots had formed on her legs. She was taken to hospital in 21 February, 1954 and was diagnosed with Leukemia. In Hospital his best friend Chizako Hamamito came and cut a gold piece of paper into a square and folds it into a paper crane because of an ancient Japanese story that promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be given a wish by God. But she folded only 644 cranes before her death not because she cannot get time but because she cannot get paper. Lastly, she died on the morning of October 25, 1955 at the age of 12.
Lets go back a little bit earlier,
The world is in fury that exists due to the existence of Atomic Bomb or nucleur weapons. DO your mind raise the question of how, what and how it was invented. It first lay its foundation in Manhattan Project just before the beginning of the second world war in 1939, when there is a competition between Germany and USA- Einstein wrote a letter to Roosevelt to develop Nuclear weapons otherwise Germany creates them first, for this Roosevelt on June 28, 1941 signed executive order 8807 with vinevar Bush as its Director. A team work under Enrico Fermi on December 2, 1944 first successfully testified nucleur chain reactions. The most important material for making Atom Bomb was Uranium 235. Early designs were like Uranium gun type but after July, 1944 the bulk of research was focused on Plutonium designs. The first test was conclude on 7 may 1945and named as the Gadget. TO end the second war on August 6 and 9 colonel paul tibbets departed Tinian with the bomb, dubbed little boy on a Japanese city Hiroshima and Fat man on Nagasaki respectively which brought a complete devastation in both the places in particular and over all Japan in General.
Slowly every country to make themselves powerful started developing nuclear weapons A number of countries successfully testified Nuclear weapons one after the another USA, Soviet Union( Russia), UK, France, People Republic of China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.
With the advancement of Nuclear weapons in more and more countries there grew the fear of devastation in the whole world. So steps were made towards limitation of both the proliferation of Nuclear weapon and towards environmental effects of nuclear technology. In 1957, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under UN was formed to encourage development of peaceful Application for Nuclear Technology. In 1963, Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) in 1968 Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1996, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) These are certain steps made by Nuclear countries to limit their nuclear weapons,
CTBT It is not in operation because it requires ratification by 44 specific states before it came into force, in 2012 also the ratification of 8 more states is still required.
One nuclear Bomb can take the life of huge number of people, among everything this put most serious and dangerous effect on Environment and human health. India though a Nuclear Weapon is not a member of any of the Treaty because it believe that a country to protect itself from foreign attack should have a minimum nuclear deterrence.
Through this we can easily conclude that Nuclear weapon if uses for peaceful purpose are a helpful object but if got in the wrong hands can create a devastating situation, more devastating than even natural calamity.
United States has captured every country in Middle East except Iran only because it posses nuclear weapons an even after signing NPT, it always remain as an advantaged position as the one and only powerful nation in the world and a permanent member of the United Nation Security Council. For US it seems that there is no restriction on anything.
Now, we came in the age of Chemical and Biological Attacks. A very common and recent example of Syria chemical weapon attack is even harsher than nuclear attack. Report says that On August 21, The Government of Syria has used chemical weapon against the civilians in its capital Damascus Ghouta Area in which 1429 people were killed and among which 426 were children. It was seen that in the chemical weapon a poisonous chemical named Sarin was used. Sarin is an extremely toxic substance and was classified as weapons of mass destruction by the United Nations according to UN Resolution 687, and its production was stockpiling was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. When it expose to vapour then it can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, generalized twitching, flaccid paralysis, lapses in breathing, generalized secretions, involuntary defection ( In case of Severe Exposure).
Chemical Weapons Convention is an arms control treaty which outlaws the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons signed on 13 June 1993 and became effective from 29th April 1997 with 165 signatories and 189 parties to this treaty. Recently Syria for its act was forced to submit its chemical weapons to the organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons. There are also other countries like Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan who are not party to this treaty.
There are 17,300 nuclear weapons in the world across nine countries headed by Russia and United States. According to a data US spend 20$ billion a year on its nuclear arsenals. Even India and Pakistan are also nuclear power. India become nuclear power in 1997 and in 1998 Pakistan also copied India and successfully test fired its nuclear power.
Nuclear power which can be rename as Destruction, Many have affiliated nuclear weapons as deserving credit for keeping the peace during Cold war and times beyond till now. They were seen as positive contributors to establish a peaceful and just world. A nuclear weapon country is always remaining in an advantaged position. No other country, dare to go against it as there will always remain a sort of fear of the nuclear power. That is the main reason no other country ever tries to go against United States of America because everyone knew that they will not declare war by cavalry, armed force, military force, air force but just simply, within a few seconds put a bomb then the situation will just like Hiroshima and Nagasaki. USA though it signed and ratified the Non Proliferation Treaty but still it doesnt take the provision of that treaty seriously but always imposed restrictions on other countries to prepare Nuclear power. India always considered USA as its big brother, not because of respect but because of Fear and the assurance that if tomorrow any other country attacked India, USA will surely help India. The relationship between India and USA became bitter when Atal Behari Vajpayee instead of thinking about USA successfully test fired Nuclear weapon and declared India a Nuclear country. India not a signatory to the NPT, because it considered that treaty as partial and making a clear distinction between the have and have nots.
India got a new stand in the world politics after being a nuclear power country. India decided to be a nuclear power not to attack other countries but he considered that in todays nuclear age if one country wants to be safe and secure he should posses Nuclear powers.
From the above discussion it can be concluded that Nuclear power can be considered as means of peace and at the same time for destruction. It is dependent upon the country that how it uses it Like USA or like India? USA always attempts to create a fear of terror on the basis of his nuclear power. Recently Edward Snowden has released the information that USA has secretly taping information of others country and also hacking information from the Face book Account. But no other country dares to ask questions regarding this matter to USA inspite of severe case of violations. When USA imposed restriction on the entry of Snowden into the boundary of his country no other country came forward to give asylum to Snowden. Latter Russia approves to take that step. But all this simply shows that it is totally because of fear of USA Nuclear power. USA has always misused its powers. It posses Nuclear power not to stop terror but to create terror.
India, a peace loving country always opposes war has become a Nuclear power only because Everyone considered a Nuclear power country is powerful and nobody tries to attack it. But in case anyone does that Indians apply the formula of Tit for Tat.
Natural disasters are terrifying that loss of control, this feeling that something is just going to randomly end your life for absolutely no reason is terrifying. But what scares me is the human reaction to it and how people behave when the rules of civility and society are obliterated Eli Roth.
PAYAL AGARWAL
NON-ALIGNMENT MOVEMENT
1. It is a post-war phenomenon of the time when cold war was at its height and the world was divided into two power blocs.
1. Nehru India; Tito Yugoslavia; Naseer Egypt and Sukharno Indonesia.
1. Meaning Policy of not aligning with any bloc, but at the same time being friendly to everyone so that it might be feasible to have a moderating impact on IR.
1. It is neither a passive nor a negative policy. Its positive since it stress for certain values and goods.
1. It takes specific sides on merit of each case. This implies that issue-based tilts in nonalignment are considered legitimate and the concept therefore doesnt imply equidistant from both the super powers and at the same time it also rejects the idea of natural allies.
It is thus an active policy as it envisages an active role for the non-aligned countries.
1. CHARACTERSTICS
1. Averse to Military Alliances also opposed to arms race. (Is it applicable for Indias arms race with Pakistan?)
1. Averse to Cold War Cold war undermines the existence of newer national identities and nations are considered as satellites of either USA or USSR
1. Averse to Ideological Polarization It advocates that the ideological differences are exaggerations to legitimize state-centric power-devices of the super powers.
1. Own Path of Development These countries are eager to develop their economy, polity and society in conformity with their own outlook and way of life.
1. Friendship and Equality friendly relations among all nation-states on the principles of equality, justice and reciprocity.
1. Support to UNO Have always endeavored to strengthen and support the UNO.
1. Doubtful Genuineness Some countries are not genuinely non-aligned
Many countries had special military or diplomatic relation with one bloc or the other. E.g. USA believes that India was not truly non-aligned, it was biased towards USSR. But India refutes these charges by saying that in 1956, 1968 and 1979 it criticized the Russian actions and demanded withdrawal of troops from Czechoslovakia and Afghanistan though this denunciation was less harsh than the one it used in Suez Canal crisis.
1. Alignment within Non-alignment Many groups formed on the basis of regionalism, religion, ideology, security consideration and economic consideration. E.g. On the question of Palestine, almost all Arab countries have formed another faction.
1. Not Double Alignment Some critics call it double alignment as it has the benefit of assistance from both the blocs and neither side is likely to do any harm.
But it is not the double alignment; diplomatic relations with both help in easing of International tensions and this is not against the spirit of non-alignment.
1. BASES AND CAUSES OF NON ALIGNMENT
Policy is based upon two types of bases positive and negative bases.
Negative Basis
1. Single negative basis of non-alignment is its opposition to military alliances and cold war politics.
Positive Basis
1. Ideological Basis Independent nations thought it better to evolve their own ideologies and system that may conform to their indigenous need and traditions.
1. Independent Foreign Policy Examine each international issue on its merit. Principle of freedom of opinion or independence of judgment in the conduct of foreign affairs.
1. Economic Basics New countries were in dire need of capital and technical know-how for achieving the goal of economic development and self-reliance.
This goal could be achieved in a better way if they maintain cordial relations with both blocs and gain maximum economic benefits w/o any political string.
1. ROLE OF NAM
1. In 50s and 60s Opposition to military alliances, early end of colonialism, disarmament
1. In 70s NIEO became the chief concern (As dtente b/w superpowers going on and neo-colonialism emerged), Intensification of regional conflicts.
1. In 80s Demand of NIEO slackened and attitude of developing countries became more soft and cordial towards rich countries.
They were now politely demanding for aid on the plea that it would help the donors too. Cooperation rather than confrontation became the keynote.
Another notable change in the attribute of non-aligned countries is self-introspection. They have understood that for development, aid from rich countries is essential. But that doesnt exclude the self-help by the non-aligned countries themselves. Along with North-South dialogue, they felt the need of South-South cooperation.
1. In 90s There were proposals to either change NAMs name to Third World movement or to merge it with G-77 to enlarge its options of economic cooperation and assistance but it was rejected.
New Action Plan adopted dealt with the reform of UN, International security and disarmament, regional conflicts, External debt problem, North-South and South-South cooperation, environmental destruction etc.
1. In 2000 Strategic challenges of worldwide terrorism and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
CRITICAL EVALUATION
1. ACHIEVEMENTS
1. World Peace NAM has made a principled contribution towards the maintenance of world peace and prevention of global and regional conflicts.
1. End of Cold War Adhered to the principle of peaceful coexistence and major contribution in making big powers realize the futility of engaging in arms race.
1. End of Bi-Polarism Proliferation of NAM helped in the emergence of multi-polarism.
1. End of Colonialism
1. End of Racialism NAM countries also struggled for the end of racial discrimination, apartheid in SA, racialism and hegemony of all type.
1. Minimized the Arms Race Made the world aware of the dangerous implications of arms race both conventional and nuclear.
1. Strengthened UNO Even though they couldnt do anything in Security Council they exercised notable influence on the decision of General Assembly and in this way creating World Opinion towards end of Cold war.
1. Universal International System NAM is the first forum which laid the foundations of a universal international system based on the principle of equality and justice for the weak nations.
1. CRITICISM (Western say its a selfish policy, baseless ideology and opportunistic attitude)
1. Opportunistic and Immoral to western scholars it is alignment with both cold war camps (Double Alignment), to get benefits from both sides.
1. Bloc Mentality They are biased towards one bloc and neither impartial nor judge issues on merit. E.g. Indo-Pak 1972 war.
1. Harsh towards West, Soft towards East This is true to an extent; but the fault lies with the Western powers themselves as they always followed colonial policies. E.g. Nehru was heavily influenced from Socialist ideas, Indias FYP
1. Disunity Overtime, NAM has lost its unity and had many inter-state or regional conflicts among themselves which they failed to resolve amicably.
1. Dilemma NAM has a dilemma of having more members and less power.
1. Factionalism Divided into 3 groups radicals, conservatives and independents. Radicals are generally leaning towards USSR/China e.g. (India, Egypt clearly inclined towards USSR)
Conservatives towards West
Independent are still committed to Non-alignment.
1. NAM is like Alliance system While pretending that they were not a bloc, NAM decided to have a secretariat.
1. Worthless Declaration and Conferences Nothing new in the declarations, simply the repetition of resolutions of the UN. At best, NAM is like a club and all it does is to have summits. It has not taken any action ever.
It couldnt solve any international or regional problem e.g. Israel, Lebanon etc. NAM failed to establish NIEO.
RELEVANCE OF NON-ALIGNMENT IN POST COLD WAR WORLD
IRRELEVANT AND INVALID
1. All points mentioned above in CRITICISM. Support for its irrelevancy.
1. Outdated Economic Stand NAM has been trying to get rich nations give aid to the poor nations. It wants the rich to commit 0.7% of their GDP as aid.
Instead of relying on aid, NAM members need to get more private investments into their countries.
Also, NAM members are rooted in ideas of socialism and State-control popular at the time of Nehru and Naseer. This has made them impossible to move forward.
1. Duplicity NAM today competes with G-77, ASEAN, and Commonwealth etc. which are similar groups of nations. Other groups are more effective as they deal with economic and trade issues. NAM doesnt do that nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.
It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues.
1. Leadership No leadership on global issues and also disagreements among members.
1. Unless NAM redefines its terms of reference and make a new strategy to counter USA influence, it will remain marginalized and irrelevant. It is presently in a vacuum with no role to play.
STILL RELEVANT
1. Some non-aligned states emphases that NAMs new focus must be on eradicating poverty, hunger, malnutrition and illiteracy.
1. They believe that NAM is becoming more popular and its importance is being widely recognized. Thats the reason why more and more countries are seeking its membership.
E.g. Mongolia; also Germany requested to be a guest.
1. They believe that world in Uni-polar with a Euro-centric outlook and for a replacement of Uni-polar with Multi-polar NAM is required.
E.g. Interventions of USA in Iraq shows how vulnerable weak countries are in this uni-polar world.
Reference International Relations (V K Malhotra)
Name Ankit Uniyal
1. Nehru India; Tito Yugoslavia; Naseer Egypt and Sukharno Indonesia.
1. Meaning Policy of not aligning with any bloc, but at the same time being friendly to everyone so that it might be feasible to have a moderating impact on IR.
1. It is neither a passive nor a negative policy. Its positive since it stress for certain values and goods.
1. It takes specific sides on merit of each case. This implies that issue-based tilts in nonalignment are considered legitimate and the concept therefore doesnt imply equidistant from both the super powers and at the same time it also rejects the idea of natural allies.
It is thus an active policy as it envisages an active role for the non-aligned countries.
1. CHARACTERSTICS
1. Averse to Military Alliances also opposed to arms race. (Is it applicable for Indias arms race with Pakistan?)
1. Averse to Cold War Cold war undermines the existence of newer national identities and nations are considered as satellites of either USA or USSR
1. Averse to Ideological Polarization It advocates that the ideological differences are exaggerations to legitimize state-centric power-devices of the super powers.
1. Own Path of Development These countries are eager to develop their economy, polity and society in conformity with their own outlook and way of life.
1. Friendship and Equality friendly relations among all nation-states on the principles of equality, justice and reciprocity.
1. Support to UNO Have always endeavored to strengthen and support the UNO.
1. Doubtful Genuineness Some countries are not genuinely non-aligned
Many countries had special military or diplomatic relation with one bloc or the other. E.g. USA believes that India was not truly non-aligned, it was biased towards USSR. But India refutes these charges by saying that in 1956, 1968 and 1979 it criticized the Russian actions and demanded withdrawal of troops from Czechoslovakia and Afghanistan though this denunciation was less harsh than the one it used in Suez Canal crisis.
1. Alignment within Non-alignment Many groups formed on the basis of regionalism, religion, ideology, security consideration and economic consideration. E.g. On the question of Palestine, almost all Arab countries have formed another faction.
1. Not Double Alignment Some critics call it double alignment as it has the benefit of assistance from both the blocs and neither side is likely to do any harm.
But it is not the double alignment; diplomatic relations with both help in easing of International tensions and this is not against the spirit of non-alignment.
1. BASES AND CAUSES OF NON ALIGNMENT
Policy is based upon two types of bases positive and negative bases.
Negative Basis
1. Single negative basis of non-alignment is its opposition to military alliances and cold war politics.
Positive Basis
1. Ideological Basis Independent nations thought it better to evolve their own ideologies and system that may conform to their indigenous need and traditions.
1. Independent Foreign Policy Examine each international issue on its merit. Principle of freedom of opinion or independence of judgment in the conduct of foreign affairs.
1. Economic Basics New countries were in dire need of capital and technical know-how for achieving the goal of economic development and self-reliance.
This goal could be achieved in a better way if they maintain cordial relations with both blocs and gain maximum economic benefits w/o any political string.
1. ROLE OF NAM
1. In 50s and 60s Opposition to military alliances, early end of colonialism, disarmament
1. In 70s NIEO became the chief concern (As dtente b/w superpowers going on and neo-colonialism emerged), Intensification of regional conflicts.
1. In 80s Demand of NIEO slackened and attitude of developing countries became more soft and cordial towards rich countries.
They were now politely demanding for aid on the plea that it would help the donors too. Cooperation rather than confrontation became the keynote.
Another notable change in the attribute of non-aligned countries is self-introspection. They have understood that for development, aid from rich countries is essential. But that doesnt exclude the self-help by the non-aligned countries themselves. Along with North-South dialogue, they felt the need of South-South cooperation.
1. In 90s There were proposals to either change NAMs name to Third World movement or to merge it with G-77 to enlarge its options of economic cooperation and assistance but it was rejected.
New Action Plan adopted dealt with the reform of UN, International security and disarmament, regional conflicts, External debt problem, North-South and South-South cooperation, environmental destruction etc.
1. In 2000 Strategic challenges of worldwide terrorism and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
CRITICAL EVALUATION
1. ACHIEVEMENTS
1. World Peace NAM has made a principled contribution towards the maintenance of world peace and prevention of global and regional conflicts.
1. End of Cold War Adhered to the principle of peaceful coexistence and major contribution in making big powers realize the futility of engaging in arms race.
1. End of Bi-Polarism Proliferation of NAM helped in the emergence of multi-polarism.
1. End of Colonialism
1. End of Racialism NAM countries also struggled for the end of racial discrimination, apartheid in SA, racialism and hegemony of all type.
1. Minimized the Arms Race Made the world aware of the dangerous implications of arms race both conventional and nuclear.
1. Strengthened UNO Even though they couldnt do anything in Security Council they exercised notable influence on the decision of General Assembly and in this way creating World Opinion towards end of Cold war.
1. Universal International System NAM is the first forum which laid the foundations of a universal international system based on the principle of equality and justice for the weak nations.
1. CRITICISM (Western say its a selfish policy, baseless ideology and opportunistic attitude)
1. Opportunistic and Immoral to western scholars it is alignment with both cold war camps (Double Alignment), to get benefits from both sides.
1. Bloc Mentality They are biased towards one bloc and neither impartial nor judge issues on merit. E.g. Indo-Pak 1972 war.
1. Harsh towards West, Soft towards East This is true to an extent; but the fault lies with the Western powers themselves as they always followed colonial policies. E.g. Nehru was heavily influenced from Socialist ideas, Indias FYP
1. Disunity Overtime, NAM has lost its unity and had many inter-state or regional conflicts among themselves which they failed to resolve amicably.
1. Dilemma NAM has a dilemma of having more members and less power.
1. Factionalism Divided into 3 groups radicals, conservatives and independents. Radicals are generally leaning towards USSR/China e.g. (India, Egypt clearly inclined towards USSR)
Conservatives towards West
Independent are still committed to Non-alignment.
1. NAM is like Alliance system While pretending that they were not a bloc, NAM decided to have a secretariat.
1. Worthless Declaration and Conferences Nothing new in the declarations, simply the repetition of resolutions of the UN. At best, NAM is like a club and all it does is to have summits. It has not taken any action ever.
It couldnt solve any international or regional problem e.g. Israel, Lebanon etc. NAM failed to establish NIEO.
RELEVANCE OF NON-ALIGNMENT IN POST COLD WAR WORLD
IRRELEVANT AND INVALID
1. All points mentioned above in CRITICISM. Support for its irrelevancy.
1. Outdated Economic Stand NAM has been trying to get rich nations give aid to the poor nations. It wants the rich to commit 0.7% of their GDP as aid.
Instead of relying on aid, NAM members need to get more private investments into their countries.
Also, NAM members are rooted in ideas of socialism and State-control popular at the time of Nehru and Naseer. This has made them impossible to move forward.
1. Duplicity NAM today competes with G-77, ASEAN, and Commonwealth etc. which are similar groups of nations. Other groups are more effective as they deal with economic and trade issues. NAM doesnt do that nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.
It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues.
1. Leadership No leadership on global issues and also disagreements among members.
1. Unless NAM redefines its terms of reference and make a new strategy to counter USA influence, it will remain marginalized and irrelevant. It is presently in a vacuum with no role to play.
STILL RELEVANT
1. Some non-aligned states emphases that NAMs new focus must be on eradicating poverty, hunger, malnutrition and illiteracy.
1. They believe that NAM is becoming more popular and its importance is being widely recognized. Thats the reason why more and more countries are seeking its membership.
E.g. Mongolia; also Germany requested to be a guest.
1. They believe that world in Uni-polar with a Euro-centric outlook and for a replacement of Uni-polar with Multi-polar NAM is required.
E.g. Interventions of USA in Iraq shows how vulnerable weak countries are in this uni-polar world.
Reference International Relations (V K Malhotra)
Name Ankit Uniyal
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
1. It is not a new phenomenon but it has emerged as a global problem only in 20th century more specifically since 1950s. Process of globalizations has also globalized terrorism.
1. India has been the worst sufferer from the activities of Pakistan-Afghanistan trained terrorists who are operating in Kashmir thru some self-styled groups. But no one including USA took Indias warning seriously.
1. Definition
1. First appeared during the French Revolution Reign of Terror.
1. It is mentioned as used of force, creating terror or fear, intimidating methods, especially to secure political ends, liquidating resistance, stifling dissent, etc.
Publicity forms an essential component of a terrorists strategy. Kill one and frighten 10000.
2. Effectiveness of terrorism rests mainly on the element of surprise and fear. Terrorism differs from other crimes in that it always claims to be acting for a cause other than their personal benefit. A terrorists first loyalty is not himself but to his cause, just as a soldier.
A victim is normally not the one for whom the message is intended. Therefore, terrorism must not be defined only in terms of violence but also in terms of propaganda.
1. International terrorist action is supported by one or more foreign pro-terrorist regime and the act is aimed to influence int. opinion.
1. Aims and Tactics
1. Seeks to force civilized society to violate its own basic values and the disciplines that sustain them.
1. To pose a threat to those they consider obstacles in achievement of their goals.
2. Their tactics includes hijacking, black-mail, ruthless killing by shooting etc.
3. Terrorist groups are generally too small and weak to operate successfully against govt. Thats why they insist upon psychological rather than practical results.
4. E.g. aim of Palestinian terrorist attacks in Jerusalem in 1975 was to gain popularity.
5. Targeting patterns of the extremists include leader of importance, public figures, industries, common man etc.
that is why it becomes a difficult task for the law enforcing agencies due to the presence of surprise element.
1. Terrorism has been used by political organizations with both rightists and leftist objectives by nationalistic, ethnic groups, armies and govt. themselves.
In latter half of 19th century terrorism was adopted by adherents of anarchism in Western Europe, Russia etc.
1. Technological advances gave them a new mobility and lethality.
1. International Terrorist Groups
1. Al-Qaeda Established by Osama in late 1980s, it aims to establish a pan-Islamic Caliphate through out the world by working with Islamic extremist groups. It has worldwide reach and is financed by money inherited by Laden.
1. HAMAS Formed in late 1987, wants Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. Concentrated in Gaza strip and West Bank. Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran and benefactors in Saudi and other Arab states.
1. Hezbollah Radical Shi group wants increasing political power; opposed to Israel. Operates in Lebanon and closely allied with and often directed by Iran. Receives substantial aid and training from Iran and Syria.
1. Harkat-ul-Mujahedeen Based in Pakistan, operates primarily in Kashmir. Operated terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. Linked to hijacking of IA plane to Kandahar. Collects donations from Saudi, other Gulf and Islamic states, Pakistan and Kashmiri.
1. Jaish-e-Mohammed Islamist groups in Pak, has rapidly expanded; aim is to unite Kashmir with Pak; terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. Maintains training camps in Afghanistan. It has close ties with Taliban and involved in the attack on the Parliament House in New Delhi on 2001.
1. Lashkar-e-Taiba One of the three largest and best-trained groups fighting in Kashmir. Trains militants in PoK and Afghanistan; gets donations from Pakistani community in Persian gulf and UK, Islamic NGOs etc.
1. Indian Mujahedeen Islamist terrorist group; a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba; has regional aspirations with the ultimate aim of creating an Islamic Caliphate across South Asia. Responsible for Bodh Gaya bombing 2013.
1. SIMI Students Islamic Movement in India Liberation of India from Western materialistic cultural influence so that Muslim society can live according to Muslim code of conduct. According to IB, it also operates under the name of Indian Mujahedeen.
TYPES OF TERRORISM
1. Repressive/State Terrorism Act of terrorism conducted by a state against foreign state or on its own people. E.g. French Reign of Terror.
1. Revolutionary and War Terrorism When terrorism is employed to make a revolution successful and to overthrow a corrupt and repressive regime it is known as revolutionary terrorism.
During war when belligerent countries terrorize each other and especially civilian populations it is called war terror. They create war terror by making a war-like condition.
1. Xeno-terrorism and Homo Terrorism In Xeno terrorist groups fight against foreigners for achieving goals like realignment of political boundaries. They dont depend on the support of the people on the target country and hence are more indiscriminate in the use of violence.
Homo-terrorists are fighting for their own countrymen. This group has to fashion its strategies carefully as they cant afford to lose the popular support.
1. Local, National and International e.g. Local terrorism in north-east states; National Some Kashmiri terrorist org. which operate and strike outside J&K.
1. State Sponsored Terrorism Some govt. secretly support terrorist groups by providing weapons, training and money for attacks in other countries.
USA has to take some blame as the leading exporter of this form of terrorism, which by its expansionist and hegemonistic tendencies has sought to use terrorism internationally. USA in the past financed, supplied arms and provided military training to some nations in its fight against USSR.
1. Religion Based Terrorism this brand regards violence as a divine duty. It is not restricted to a particular religion. White Supremacists in USA, Radical Jewish groups in Israel, Radical Sikh fundamentalists and conservative Hindu elements in India and Islamic fundamentalist.
Some states are considered Rogue States (e.g. Syria, N. Korea, Cuba etc.) as they are considered threat to world peace. Rogue states differ from Pariah State like Zimbabwe or Burma (under military rule) who allegedly abuse human rights but are not considered threat to Int. community.
Rogue states (and also states like Pakistan, Afghanistan) have taken this form of terrorism too far which has divided the world into Islamic and Non-Islamic nations after 9/11.
1. Ideological Terrorism extreme right or left. E.g. Naxal and Maoist.
1. Nuclear Terrorism emergence of nuclear, biological, chemical and cyber terrorism (NBC2); it is directly linked to technological progress.
This can be carried out by a disgruntled group within govt. or some military group within civil war which is a major area of concern.
1. Cyber Terrorism different from cyber crime as it is politically motivated and must instill terror.
1. Bio-Terrorism terror of getting annihilated by biological and chemical attacks and most devastatingly the terror of just waiting for a genocide to happen. It has the capability of travelling unseen in air and causing mass deaths in a matter of days. E.g. Anthrax attack in USA or Sarin gas attack in Tokyo subway etc.
It is ironical how USA which now seems most endangered by germ warfare had taken the lead to reproduce these deadly weapons in 40s. It not only conducted several tests but also carries out mock biological attack in more than 200 sites.
Bio weapons Anthrax, Smallpox; Chemical Sarin, Hydrogen Cyanide, Mustard Agents etc.
CAUSES OF TERRORISM
1. Colonialism A result of many years of brutal suppression, physical torture and cultural dehumanization. In the process of anti-colonial struggle many terrorist groups became active and some are still struggling to gain political power.
1. Fundamentalism Religion has become the main motivating force. E.g. Sikh, Islam etc.
1. Organized Crime and Drug-trafficking There is a growing nexus b/w terrorists and internationally organized crime and drug-trafficking networks. Distinction b/w both has blurred. Terrorists aims are ideological and political while organized crimes goal is financial but the instruments are same.
Pakistan has been one of the major merchants of illicit drugs consumed in USA. Terrorism in Kashmir is largely funded by this money in the name of Islamic fundamentalism.
1. Advance in and Availability of Weapons Improvement and easy availability of small weapons are largely responsible for the growth of terrorism. Like drug mafia, arms smugglers are also very active in some countries.
Weapons supplied to Afghan Mujahedeens against USSR regime in Afghanistan by USA which later fell into the hands of terrorists. Taliban was reincarnation of Afghan Mujahedeen.
1. Secessionism After decolonization many micro-sovereign states appeared. With this development many small ethnic groups in diff. nations were encouraged to demand separate identity. E.g. Khalistan, Croatians in Yugoslavia, Tamils in SL
1. Modern Technology Laden was the perfect example of globalism. With satellite telephone he was able to communicate with his followers in real time during his isolation.
1. Abetment by States As UN Charter has prohibited the use of force by States in their relations with other states, several states started encouraging terrorists thru proxy wars and supporting military outfits.
With this encouragement terrorism in modern world became more ruthless and technically more efficient with the use of sophisticated weapons. As Pak is not in a position to settle Kashmir issue thru open conflict, it was constrained to take recourse to unconventional war with India.
1. Economic Reasons Instability in developing world is one of the primary factors. A situation beyond a tolerable limit would lead to prolonged and violent backlash from deprived sections. Also poverty, unemployment, social and political injustices provide easy workforce for outfits.
1. Creation of USA it is outcome of USAs own doings, policies and unilateral displays of power since the end of WW2.
USAs denial of rights to Palestinians, denial of economic aid to poor nations, Cold war politics, creation of Afghan Mujahedeen, USAs deaf ear to Indias warnings, destructive policy on Iraq etc
IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
1. New era in IR after 9/11; changed foreign policy of several nations esp. USA.
New Type of Security threat more covert, sudden and dangerous.
1. Instrument of Foreign Policy for some nations like Pak.
2. Spoiled/further deteriorated relations b/w Nations Israel-Arab; India-SL; India-Bangladesh
3. Clash of Civilization b/w Islamic and non-Islamic.
But some dont believe this
Sharp sectarian diff among Muslims. Iran-Iraq war proves this.
1. International Coalition USAs War on Terror, almost every country in the world supported USA to throw Taliban regime out of Afghanistan.
USA and other western countries were earlier turning a blind eye to Pak-sponsored terrorism in India. Since early 90s India has been the worst sufferer of this.
It has been criticized that USA devised the mechanism of Int. coalition to avoid Int. isolation. It was used by USA to legitimize its actions which otherwise would have evoked sharp reactions.
1. Terrorism replaces Communism War on terror has not ended with the ouster of Taliban and Saddam.
1. Counter-Terrorism Measures taken up by various countries tightening of immigration rules, POTA and Patriot Act by USA, freezing assets of terrorist outfits, strategic cooperation and joint exercises etc.
In this exercise some countries have damaged human rights and rule of law.
1. Change of Regime in Afghanistan and Iraq otherwise very difficult to remove.
1. Impact on UN Its response to tackle terrorism came very late and it almost failed to determine what constitutes terrorism pre 9/11. Its inaction boosted morale of terrorist groups.
Only after 9/11 it passed two major anti-terrorism conventions.
This body is under threat of being rendered irrelevant during the current era of US-dominated unipolar world. Gulf War-2 didnt have consent of UN. Due to USA activism against terrorism, UNs credibility stooped very low.
1. Mounting American dominance USA has established strong military dominance in Central Asia. Russia, China, India, and other European countries also have stakes in this region.
1. Adverse Economic Impact
1. Change in Foreign Policy USAs policy change is evident.
China after 9/11 china cooperated with USA thru intelligence sharing but mutual suspension remained.
Western Allies supported attack on Taliban but began to view USA as increasingly dangerous at the time of regime change in Iraq.
COUNTER TERRORISM
1. Policy of Cold War hampered UN in effectively combating terrorism which in turn led to several org. and states to involve and support International terrorism freely.
2. UN Conventions
1. Global convention against terrorism
2. Convention aimed specifically to fight nuclear terrorism
3. Resolution 1368 recognizes any act of Int. terrorism a threat to int. peace and security.
4. Resolution 1373 is more extensive and decides that all States should prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism.
1. International Criminal Court
1. In 2002, creation of the worlds first permanent war crimes court. It is to be based in Hague, Netherlands.
1. In place of impunity, a system of accountability is set up for those crimes that are described in the statute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.
2. Legal safeguards to ensure due process; Court would only step in if a national system was unable or unwilling to do so. Primary responsibility for the punishment of crimes is with states and not the Int. community.
3. Itll not be part of UN instead itll be accountable to countries that ratify the Stature, which have agreed to prosecute individuals accused of such crimes under their own laws.
4. India has not signed the stature and is critical of the court.
5. Court is accused of being biased towards African as to date all ICCs cases have been from African states.
1. Yet, there is no world tribunal currently empowered to try terrorist cases. Some say they could be brought under ICC but USA and other allies have expressed reservations. They fear the proposed charge of crimes against humanity may not be well defined and the proceedings could politicize the court.
Many argue, national courts could do the job more efficiently.
SUGGESTIONS
1. Nations should exclude terrorist acts from the clause of political offences in various extradition treaties to have an effective prosecution of terrorists.
2. Steps should be taken to constitute an Int. police force under UN to detect terrorist activities of various states and groups.
3. Terrorist attacks on innocent civilians should be treated as crimes against humanity and they should be tried in ICC.
4. Steps should be taken in fixing the responsibility on the States which aid and assist terrorism in any fashion and punitive actions should be taken.
5. Community must firmly warn countries like Pak to crush terrorist groups operating on its soil
6. Intelligence agencies should be strengthened.
E.g. the way French army took measures to improve their anti-terrorist capabilities.
International law on terrorism is in patchwork. Despite the Review conference held on the Rome Statute (in which ICC was formed) in 2010, acts of terror were not considered vital enough to be included under its authority. Int. Community is unable to deal and legislate on terrorism owing to lack of consensus.
Name Ankit Uniyal
Reference International Relations (V K Malhotra)
Wikipedia
1. India has been the worst sufferer from the activities of Pakistan-Afghanistan trained terrorists who are operating in Kashmir thru some self-styled groups. But no one including USA took Indias warning seriously.
1. Definition
1. First appeared during the French Revolution Reign of Terror.
1. It is mentioned as used of force, creating terror or fear, intimidating methods, especially to secure political ends, liquidating resistance, stifling dissent, etc.
Publicity forms an essential component of a terrorists strategy. Kill one and frighten 10000.
2. Effectiveness of terrorism rests mainly on the element of surprise and fear. Terrorism differs from other crimes in that it always claims to be acting for a cause other than their personal benefit. A terrorists first loyalty is not himself but to his cause, just as a soldier.
A victim is normally not the one for whom the message is intended. Therefore, terrorism must not be defined only in terms of violence but also in terms of propaganda.
1. International terrorist action is supported by one or more foreign pro-terrorist regime and the act is aimed to influence int. opinion.
1. Aims and Tactics
1. Seeks to force civilized society to violate its own basic values and the disciplines that sustain them.
1. To pose a threat to those they consider obstacles in achievement of their goals.
2. Their tactics includes hijacking, black-mail, ruthless killing by shooting etc.
3. Terrorist groups are generally too small and weak to operate successfully against govt. Thats why they insist upon psychological rather than practical results.
4. E.g. aim of Palestinian terrorist attacks in Jerusalem in 1975 was to gain popularity.
5. Targeting patterns of the extremists include leader of importance, public figures, industries, common man etc.
that is why it becomes a difficult task for the law enforcing agencies due to the presence of surprise element.
1. Terrorism has been used by political organizations with both rightists and leftist objectives by nationalistic, ethnic groups, armies and govt. themselves.
In latter half of 19th century terrorism was adopted by adherents of anarchism in Western Europe, Russia etc.
1. Technological advances gave them a new mobility and lethality.
1. International Terrorist Groups
1. Al-Qaeda Established by Osama in late 1980s, it aims to establish a pan-Islamic Caliphate through out the world by working with Islamic extremist groups. It has worldwide reach and is financed by money inherited by Laden.
1. HAMAS Formed in late 1987, wants Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. Concentrated in Gaza strip and West Bank. Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran and benefactors in Saudi and other Arab states.
1. Hezbollah Radical Shi group wants increasing political power; opposed to Israel. Operates in Lebanon and closely allied with and often directed by Iran. Receives substantial aid and training from Iran and Syria.
1. Harkat-ul-Mujahedeen Based in Pakistan, operates primarily in Kashmir. Operated terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. Linked to hijacking of IA plane to Kandahar. Collects donations from Saudi, other Gulf and Islamic states, Pakistan and Kashmiri.
1. Jaish-e-Mohammed Islamist groups in Pak, has rapidly expanded; aim is to unite Kashmir with Pak; terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. Maintains training camps in Afghanistan. It has close ties with Taliban and involved in the attack on the Parliament House in New Delhi on 2001.
1. Lashkar-e-Taiba One of the three largest and best-trained groups fighting in Kashmir. Trains militants in PoK and Afghanistan; gets donations from Pakistani community in Persian gulf and UK, Islamic NGOs etc.
1. Indian Mujahedeen Islamist terrorist group; a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba; has regional aspirations with the ultimate aim of creating an Islamic Caliphate across South Asia. Responsible for Bodh Gaya bombing 2013.
1. SIMI Students Islamic Movement in India Liberation of India from Western materialistic cultural influence so that Muslim society can live according to Muslim code of conduct. According to IB, it also operates under the name of Indian Mujahedeen.
TYPES OF TERRORISM
1. Repressive/State Terrorism Act of terrorism conducted by a state against foreign state or on its own people. E.g. French Reign of Terror.
1. Revolutionary and War Terrorism When terrorism is employed to make a revolution successful and to overthrow a corrupt and repressive regime it is known as revolutionary terrorism.
During war when belligerent countries terrorize each other and especially civilian populations it is called war terror. They create war terror by making a war-like condition.
1. Xeno-terrorism and Homo Terrorism In Xeno terrorist groups fight against foreigners for achieving goals like realignment of political boundaries. They dont depend on the support of the people on the target country and hence are more indiscriminate in the use of violence.
Homo-terrorists are fighting for their own countrymen. This group has to fashion its strategies carefully as they cant afford to lose the popular support.
1. Local, National and International e.g. Local terrorism in north-east states; National Some Kashmiri terrorist org. which operate and strike outside J&K.
1. State Sponsored Terrorism Some govt. secretly support terrorist groups by providing weapons, training and money for attacks in other countries.
USA has to take some blame as the leading exporter of this form of terrorism, which by its expansionist and hegemonistic tendencies has sought to use terrorism internationally. USA in the past financed, supplied arms and provided military training to some nations in its fight against USSR.
1. Religion Based Terrorism this brand regards violence as a divine duty. It is not restricted to a particular religion. White Supremacists in USA, Radical Jewish groups in Israel, Radical Sikh fundamentalists and conservative Hindu elements in India and Islamic fundamentalist.
Some states are considered Rogue States (e.g. Syria, N. Korea, Cuba etc.) as they are considered threat to world peace. Rogue states differ from Pariah State like Zimbabwe or Burma (under military rule) who allegedly abuse human rights but are not considered threat to Int. community.
Rogue states (and also states like Pakistan, Afghanistan) have taken this form of terrorism too far which has divided the world into Islamic and Non-Islamic nations after 9/11.
1. Ideological Terrorism extreme right or left. E.g. Naxal and Maoist.
1. Nuclear Terrorism emergence of nuclear, biological, chemical and cyber terrorism (NBC2); it is directly linked to technological progress.
This can be carried out by a disgruntled group within govt. or some military group within civil war which is a major area of concern.
1. Cyber Terrorism different from cyber crime as it is politically motivated and must instill terror.
1. Bio-Terrorism terror of getting annihilated by biological and chemical attacks and most devastatingly the terror of just waiting for a genocide to happen. It has the capability of travelling unseen in air and causing mass deaths in a matter of days. E.g. Anthrax attack in USA or Sarin gas attack in Tokyo subway etc.
It is ironical how USA which now seems most endangered by germ warfare had taken the lead to reproduce these deadly weapons in 40s. It not only conducted several tests but also carries out mock biological attack in more than 200 sites.
Bio weapons Anthrax, Smallpox; Chemical Sarin, Hydrogen Cyanide, Mustard Agents etc.
CAUSES OF TERRORISM
1. Colonialism A result of many years of brutal suppression, physical torture and cultural dehumanization. In the process of anti-colonial struggle many terrorist groups became active and some are still struggling to gain political power.
1. Fundamentalism Religion has become the main motivating force. E.g. Sikh, Islam etc.
1. Organized Crime and Drug-trafficking There is a growing nexus b/w terrorists and internationally organized crime and drug-trafficking networks. Distinction b/w both has blurred. Terrorists aims are ideological and political while organized crimes goal is financial but the instruments are same.
Pakistan has been one of the major merchants of illicit drugs consumed in USA. Terrorism in Kashmir is largely funded by this money in the name of Islamic fundamentalism.
1. Advance in and Availability of Weapons Improvement and easy availability of small weapons are largely responsible for the growth of terrorism. Like drug mafia, arms smugglers are also very active in some countries.
Weapons supplied to Afghan Mujahedeens against USSR regime in Afghanistan by USA which later fell into the hands of terrorists. Taliban was reincarnation of Afghan Mujahedeen.
1. Secessionism After decolonization many micro-sovereign states appeared. With this development many small ethnic groups in diff. nations were encouraged to demand separate identity. E.g. Khalistan, Croatians in Yugoslavia, Tamils in SL
1. Modern Technology Laden was the perfect example of globalism. With satellite telephone he was able to communicate with his followers in real time during his isolation.
1. Abetment by States As UN Charter has prohibited the use of force by States in their relations with other states, several states started encouraging terrorists thru proxy wars and supporting military outfits.
With this encouragement terrorism in modern world became more ruthless and technically more efficient with the use of sophisticated weapons. As Pak is not in a position to settle Kashmir issue thru open conflict, it was constrained to take recourse to unconventional war with India.
1. Economic Reasons Instability in developing world is one of the primary factors. A situation beyond a tolerable limit would lead to prolonged and violent backlash from deprived sections. Also poverty, unemployment, social and political injustices provide easy workforce for outfits.
1. Creation of USA it is outcome of USAs own doings, policies and unilateral displays of power since the end of WW2.
USAs denial of rights to Palestinians, denial of economic aid to poor nations, Cold war politics, creation of Afghan Mujahedeen, USAs deaf ear to Indias warnings, destructive policy on Iraq etc
IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
1. New era in IR after 9/11; changed foreign policy of several nations esp. USA.
New Type of Security threat more covert, sudden and dangerous.
1. Instrument of Foreign Policy for some nations like Pak.
2. Spoiled/further deteriorated relations b/w Nations Israel-Arab; India-SL; India-Bangladesh
3. Clash of Civilization b/w Islamic and non-Islamic.
But some dont believe this
Sharp sectarian diff among Muslims. Iran-Iraq war proves this.
1. International Coalition USAs War on Terror, almost every country in the world supported USA to throw Taliban regime out of Afghanistan.
USA and other western countries were earlier turning a blind eye to Pak-sponsored terrorism in India. Since early 90s India has been the worst sufferer of this.
It has been criticized that USA devised the mechanism of Int. coalition to avoid Int. isolation. It was used by USA to legitimize its actions which otherwise would have evoked sharp reactions.
1. Terrorism replaces Communism War on terror has not ended with the ouster of Taliban and Saddam.
1. Counter-Terrorism Measures taken up by various countries tightening of immigration rules, POTA and Patriot Act by USA, freezing assets of terrorist outfits, strategic cooperation and joint exercises etc.
In this exercise some countries have damaged human rights and rule of law.
1. Change of Regime in Afghanistan and Iraq otherwise very difficult to remove.
1. Impact on UN Its response to tackle terrorism came very late and it almost failed to determine what constitutes terrorism pre 9/11. Its inaction boosted morale of terrorist groups.
Only after 9/11 it passed two major anti-terrorism conventions.
This body is under threat of being rendered irrelevant during the current era of US-dominated unipolar world. Gulf War-2 didnt have consent of UN. Due to USA activism against terrorism, UNs credibility stooped very low.
1. Mounting American dominance USA has established strong military dominance in Central Asia. Russia, China, India, and other European countries also have stakes in this region.
1. Adverse Economic Impact
1. Change in Foreign Policy USAs policy change is evident.
China after 9/11 china cooperated with USA thru intelligence sharing but mutual suspension remained.
Western Allies supported attack on Taliban but began to view USA as increasingly dangerous at the time of regime change in Iraq.
COUNTER TERRORISM
1. Policy of Cold War hampered UN in effectively combating terrorism which in turn led to several org. and states to involve and support International terrorism freely.
2. UN Conventions
1. Global convention against terrorism
2. Convention aimed specifically to fight nuclear terrorism
3. Resolution 1368 recognizes any act of Int. terrorism a threat to int. peace and security.
4. Resolution 1373 is more extensive and decides that all States should prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism.
1. International Criminal Court
1. In 2002, creation of the worlds first permanent war crimes court. It is to be based in Hague, Netherlands.
1. In place of impunity, a system of accountability is set up for those crimes that are described in the statute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.
2. Legal safeguards to ensure due process; Court would only step in if a national system was unable or unwilling to do so. Primary responsibility for the punishment of crimes is with states and not the Int. community.
3. Itll not be part of UN instead itll be accountable to countries that ratify the Stature, which have agreed to prosecute individuals accused of such crimes under their own laws.
4. India has not signed the stature and is critical of the court.
5. Court is accused of being biased towards African as to date all ICCs cases have been from African states.
1. Yet, there is no world tribunal currently empowered to try terrorist cases. Some say they could be brought under ICC but USA and other allies have expressed reservations. They fear the proposed charge of crimes against humanity may not be well defined and the proceedings could politicize the court.
Many argue, national courts could do the job more efficiently.
SUGGESTIONS
1. Nations should exclude terrorist acts from the clause of political offences in various extradition treaties to have an effective prosecution of terrorists.
2. Steps should be taken to constitute an Int. police force under UN to detect terrorist activities of various states and groups.
3. Terrorist attacks on innocent civilians should be treated as crimes against humanity and they should be tried in ICC.
4. Steps should be taken in fixing the responsibility on the States which aid and assist terrorism in any fashion and punitive actions should be taken.
5. Community must firmly warn countries like Pak to crush terrorist groups operating on its soil
6. Intelligence agencies should be strengthened.
E.g. the way French army took measures to improve their anti-terrorist capabilities.
International law on terrorism is in patchwork. Despite the Review conference held on the Rome Statute (in which ICC was formed) in 2010, acts of terror were not considered vital enough to be included under its authority. Int. Community is unable to deal and legislate on terrorism owing to lack of consensus.
Name Ankit Uniyal
Reference International Relations (V K Malhotra)
Wikipedia
GMO- FRIEND OR FOE..
Introduction-
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.
Genetically modified crops (GMCs, GM crops, or biotech crops) are plants, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In most cases the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species.
The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1982, using an antibiotic-resistant tobacco plant.
WORLDWIDE USE OF GM CROPS-
USA has the largest planted area for the GM crops followed by Brazil, Argentina, India and Canada. The share of the rest of the world is quite less. But the other developing countries are also trying to adopt it. India has 5-6% of its agricultural area reserved of plantation of GM crops.
ADVANTAGES-
GM crops grown today, or under experimental development, have been modified with traits intended to provide benefit to farmers, consumers, or industry. These traits include-
* improved shelf life,
* disease resistance,
* stress resistance,
* herbicide resistance,
* pest resistance,
* production of useful goods such as biofuel or drugs,
* ability to absorb toxins, for use in bioremediation of pollution.
DISADVANTAGES-
1. Harm to other organisms. For example genes and their effect included in a crop may turn out to be poisonous to insects (monarch butterfly poisoned by GMO corns).
2. Critics say GMOs may cause health problems.
3. Possible damages to the environment.
4. Additional costs of labeling.
GM CROPS IN INDIA-
The GM crops are mainly grown in the areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Gujarat and Karnataka. Bt(Bacillus thuringensis toxin) brinjal and cotton with few other crops were introduced in India. Bt cotton was very successful attempt as it increased the yield of cotton resulting in making India cotton exporting country instead of cotton exporting one. Bt cotton increased yields, profits, and living standards of smallholder farmers. The insects now had developed resistance against Bt cotton and thus decreasing the yield. Therefore, recently farmers suicide were attached with it.
On 1 January 2013, a new law came into effect that required all packaged foods containing any genetically modified organisms to be labeled to differentiate it with non-GM foods. This created outburst with reason that even USA doesnt allow labelling as both(GM and non-GM foods) are healthy foods and labelling will increase the cost.
Recently, the final report by technical expert committee (TEC) put the indefinite stoppage on all open field trials of GM crops and conditioned special risk protocols.
The use of GM crops in India had been widely the topic of debate. Lets understand the pros and cons of it as determined by scientific experts.-
Those who support say following-
* Earlier this month, Indias Parliament passed a bill aimed at delivering subsidized food to around 800 million people which means the production will increase and GM Increment in production will lead to more income of farmers and farmers suicides can be controlled and they can save their revenues.
* The increase in production will lead to less farmers suicide and they will be able to pay their debts.
* The health benefits for the poor farmers have also been increased especially the malnutrition can be removed.
* Millions of people and cattles all over the globe are eating Bt corn for over 30 years thus health and environment problems nowhere exist.
Those who oppose it say following-
* It had not shown the sustainable results in last 30 years as it had promised.
* The cost of the GM seeds is growing rapidly.
* GM products attract because of its intellectual property patents but the agriculture is about growing food.
* The organic farming is the alternate and the best way which can be used for agriculture. It even doesnt require the insecticides. The EU also doesnt use the GM crops but still have the production nearly equal to that of USA.
* There have been increasing risks of environment and health because of GM crops.
LEARN FROM CHINA-
Over this conflict, there are few things which we need to learn from our neighbor.
* China has almost 6000 PhDs in agriculture biotech alone while india has 8900 PhDs in all sciences put together. Thus the educational system must inspire students for further research works.
1. In india, MNCs ultimately decide the style of agriculture. Thus the scientific power of the country mostly remains unnoticed. China gives their scientist a chance and freedom and if they do not deliver, china haul them up. This s how it goes with both, MNCs and countrys scientists.
WHAT TO DO?-
We need all available agricultural technologies, including biotechnology, to meet the current and projected global demand for food, feed, fibre, and biofuels. Plant breeding and genetic modification should help.
The various concerns can be overcome if concerted efforts are made by government, public institutions, scientific community, private players and NGOs. We have built quite a rigorous regulatory regime. Field trials should not stop.
India cannot afford to go back at this stage after putting so much time, effort, energy and resources to build the requisite infrastructure and capacity.
A new centre for agriculture biotechnology was announced even in the last Budget, adding to the enormous public sector infrastructure at the Centre and the States. The stage is set for a robust biotechnology regime. Shunning it is surely not the best option.
We need to shed prejudice regarding Bt crops as somebody also said-
GM crops dont kill kids. Opposing them does.
SOURCES-
1. articles of the hindu newspaper dated August 12, sept 2, sept 7
2. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article3830725.ece
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops#Controversy
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies#Indian_controversies
5. http://www.countercurrents.org/en-sharma050404.htm
by AGAM JAIN
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.
Genetically modified crops (GMCs, GM crops, or biotech crops) are plants, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In most cases the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species.
The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1982, using an antibiotic-resistant tobacco plant.
WORLDWIDE USE OF GM CROPS-
USA has the largest planted area for the GM crops followed by Brazil, Argentina, India and Canada. The share of the rest of the world is quite less. But the other developing countries are also trying to adopt it. India has 5-6% of its agricultural area reserved of plantation of GM crops.
ADVANTAGES-
GM crops grown today, or under experimental development, have been modified with traits intended to provide benefit to farmers, consumers, or industry. These traits include-
* improved shelf life,
* disease resistance,
* stress resistance,
* herbicide resistance,
* pest resistance,
* production of useful goods such as biofuel or drugs,
* ability to absorb toxins, for use in bioremediation of pollution.
DISADVANTAGES-
1. Harm to other organisms. For example genes and their effect included in a crop may turn out to be poisonous to insects (monarch butterfly poisoned by GMO corns).
2. Critics say GMOs may cause health problems.
3. Possible damages to the environment.
4. Additional costs of labeling.
GM CROPS IN INDIA-
The GM crops are mainly grown in the areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Gujarat and Karnataka. Bt(Bacillus thuringensis toxin) brinjal and cotton with few other crops were introduced in India. Bt cotton was very successful attempt as it increased the yield of cotton resulting in making India cotton exporting country instead of cotton exporting one. Bt cotton increased yields, profits, and living standards of smallholder farmers. The insects now had developed resistance against Bt cotton and thus decreasing the yield. Therefore, recently farmers suicide were attached with it.
On 1 January 2013, a new law came into effect that required all packaged foods containing any genetically modified organisms to be labeled to differentiate it with non-GM foods. This created outburst with reason that even USA doesnt allow labelling as both(GM and non-GM foods) are healthy foods and labelling will increase the cost.
Recently, the final report by technical expert committee (TEC) put the indefinite stoppage on all open field trials of GM crops and conditioned special risk protocols.
The use of GM crops in India had been widely the topic of debate. Lets understand the pros and cons of it as determined by scientific experts.-
Those who support say following-
* Earlier this month, Indias Parliament passed a bill aimed at delivering subsidized food to around 800 million people which means the production will increase and GM Increment in production will lead to more income of farmers and farmers suicides can be controlled and they can save their revenues.
* The increase in production will lead to less farmers suicide and they will be able to pay their debts.
* The health benefits for the poor farmers have also been increased especially the malnutrition can be removed.
* Millions of people and cattles all over the globe are eating Bt corn for over 30 years thus health and environment problems nowhere exist.
Those who oppose it say following-
* It had not shown the sustainable results in last 30 years as it had promised.
* The cost of the GM seeds is growing rapidly.
* GM products attract because of its intellectual property patents but the agriculture is about growing food.
* The organic farming is the alternate and the best way which can be used for agriculture. It even doesnt require the insecticides. The EU also doesnt use the GM crops but still have the production nearly equal to that of USA.
* There have been increasing risks of environment and health because of GM crops.
LEARN FROM CHINA-
Over this conflict, there are few things which we need to learn from our neighbor.
* China has almost 6000 PhDs in agriculture biotech alone while india has 8900 PhDs in all sciences put together. Thus the educational system must inspire students for further research works.
1. In india, MNCs ultimately decide the style of agriculture. Thus the scientific power of the country mostly remains unnoticed. China gives their scientist a chance and freedom and if they do not deliver, china haul them up. This s how it goes with both, MNCs and countrys scientists.
WHAT TO DO?-
We need all available agricultural technologies, including biotechnology, to meet the current and projected global demand for food, feed, fibre, and biofuels. Plant breeding and genetic modification should help.
The various concerns can be overcome if concerted efforts are made by government, public institutions, scientific community, private players and NGOs. We have built quite a rigorous regulatory regime. Field trials should not stop.
India cannot afford to go back at this stage after putting so much time, effort, energy and resources to build the requisite infrastructure and capacity.
A new centre for agriculture biotechnology was announced even in the last Budget, adding to the enormous public sector infrastructure at the Centre and the States. The stage is set for a robust biotechnology regime. Shunning it is surely not the best option.
We need to shed prejudice regarding Bt crops as somebody also said-
GM crops dont kill kids. Opposing them does.
SOURCES-
1. articles of the hindu newspaper dated August 12, sept 2, sept 7
2. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article3830725.ece
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops#Controversy
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies#Indian_controversies
5. http://www.countercurrents.org/en-sharma050404.htm
by AGAM JAIN
Topic Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
Definition: Globalization = International Integration i.e. considering whole World as a single global village unified into a single society. The steps/processes which includes and vis--vis fasten the processes of globalization are:-
1. Opening of World Trade,
2. Development of advanced means of transport & communication so as fasten the process of integration,
3. Internationalization of World markets,
4. Relaxed Population/ Labour migration world vide,
5. Increased mobility of persons, goods, ideas, data, capital etc,
6. Multi National Companies,
7. Multi National Identities, etc.
Indias tryst with globalization: from the very beginning of Indus Valley Civilization India had trade and cultural relations with other countries of world notable are Mesopotamia, South east Asian nations, Greece, Roman Empire, china, Iran/ Iraq etc. In Ancient Civilization we have records of students from various nearby countries coming to Nalanda and Taxila University for receiving education in various fields.
Indias trade relations with Europe grew in Modern times during British occupation of India and continued to remain so till independence. After Independence Indias relation with rest of globe continued to grow through agencies such as NAM & U.N. (both of which India was a founding member).
After that in 1990, Rao-Manmohan LPG model (Liberalization, Privatization & Globalization) = growing economy + globally competitive = growing globalization. This model includes various steps which give a boost to globalization such as:-
1. Scrapping of Industrial licensing regime,
2. Reduction in the number of areas reserved for Public sector,
3. Amendment of the monopolies & restrictive trade practices Act,
4. Start of privatization programme,
5. Reduction in tariff areas,
6. Change over from controlled to Market determined exchange rates, etc.
Merits and Demerits: As we know that everything especially UPSC topics comes with their own merits and demerits. So lets look at some of the basic merits & demerits of Globalization.
Merits:
1. Jobs from developed countries to developing countries => increase in employment. E.g. BPO/KPO/IT/ Pharmacy jobs from USA/UK/Japan to India => India as a back office of world.
2. International Market for Companies (Global Markets) => their product renounced over worldwide => increase in sales and presence. E.g. Mac Donalds joint at Kashmiri gate, New Delhi.
3. Consumers have an option to choose from a wide range of products => they can have cheapest, best thing. Choice
4. Increase in flow of foreign capital in form of FDI(back stage cold storage) + FII (hot capital in share markets) => Financial development
5. Flow of information between countries through TV, Internet, etc.
6. Cultural interaction => overcome cultural barrier.
7. Technological development in developing countries
8. Boom in Telecommunication & service industry
9. Increase in volume of Trade => development
10. Foreign industries are collaborating with different Indian universities => education => control on illiteracy + Access to better & quality education/medical services
11. Increased in the purchasing capability of the nation through the creation of a sizeable middle class which is hungry for quality goods and services while there coexists a large poor class whose time is yet to come due to trickledown effect of globalization & development.
12. Extension of internet facilities even to remotest rural areas + Infrastructure development in rural areas => rural development, Inclusive growth, brings rural to main stream economy.
13. We can export what we produce in excess => less wastage + Import what we produce in deficient => meeting of requirements. Win-Win situation
Demerits:
1. Trade deficit (as in case of India) which hurt most in case of under-developed & developing economies & widen the gap between the developed & not so developed economies?
2. Drugs Arms Human Trafficking.
3. Outsourcing of jobs from developed countries to developing countries =>
Phase 1: loss of jobs in developed countries => unrest in developed countries
Phase 2: protectionist measures as recently in USA & Saudi Arabia => against the spirit of globalization + unrest in developing countries workers
1. Spread of communicable diseases like bird flu, swine flu, Japanese encephalitis
2. Interlinked economies => slowing down of economies of big players (USA, UK, etc) => cause havoc result on economies of developing & under- developed countries. E.g. Global recession which starts in USA => loss in jobs worldwide, economy of almost all countries more or less suffers.
3. Agriculture sector not improved as much as Service & Manufacturing sector. Agriculture share in GDP decreased, numbers of landless families increase, increase in farmers committing suicides. Matter of serious concern for countries like India which being an agriculture economy, more than 80% population directly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture.
4. Workers for same service in developing & under-developed countries are not paid equally to their counterparts in Developed countries => against the principle of equality for all
5. For smaller developing countries at the receiving end, it could indirectly lead to a subtle form of colonization
6. MNCs ruling the globe.
7. Not inclusive & equitable growth, rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorer
8. Not sustainable growth, development on growing negligence of environment, forests, wildlife etc.
9. In lure of easy money Indias youth leaving the education in mid-way & joining BPOs => decreasing skill level.
10. Destruction of traditional service providers. E.g. old restaurants, parathas & lassi are replaced by Mc. Donalds, Fast food & Chinese restaurants, cold drinks. In place of old cinema halls, multiplexes are coming up. In place of local kirana shops, malls have come up.
11. Advanced equipments. This equipment utility reduced the need of human labour force. Hence the rural people are shifting from place to place for want of labour for their livelihood.
12. Natural manure is replaced by synthetic fertilizers environment consequences.
13. As there is a shift from food crops to export crops, the prices of food items went on high, and the poor people couldn't buy from their meager income. Similar trend for clothing, housing health. Inflation
14. Developed countries fetching more benefits while developing & under developed not so much.
Conclusion:
Flowing with globalization, India is shining in nearly every area.
Her GDP has increased since 1991.
She is getting a global recognition and slowly moving towards to become a major economic & political strength.
Though the development is progressing rapidly, still many basic problems like rural poverty, corruption and political instability remained unsolved.
One would expect that the fruits of liberalization and globalization would have a trickledown effect through the collection of taxes and revenues by Government due to increased trade and commerce.
Globalization must be build upon the economic notion that free trade helps everybody and lift the poor out of poverty.
Ankur Gupta
List of reference websites-URL and books you used to prepare the article
Google, Wikipedia, taken help from many sites & books though not remember the exact names of sites/books as I prepared this article in breaks and I noticed the line List of reference websites-URL and books you used to prepare the article just while sending this doc. Also information gained earlier was in my back mind, so dont remember that sites/books from where I gained information earlier.
1. Opening of World Trade,
2. Development of advanced means of transport & communication so as fasten the process of integration,
3. Internationalization of World markets,
4. Relaxed Population/ Labour migration world vide,
5. Increased mobility of persons, goods, ideas, data, capital etc,
6. Multi National Companies,
7. Multi National Identities, etc.
Indias tryst with globalization: from the very beginning of Indus Valley Civilization India had trade and cultural relations with other countries of world notable are Mesopotamia, South east Asian nations, Greece, Roman Empire, china, Iran/ Iraq etc. In Ancient Civilization we have records of students from various nearby countries coming to Nalanda and Taxila University for receiving education in various fields.
Indias trade relations with Europe grew in Modern times during British occupation of India and continued to remain so till independence. After Independence Indias relation with rest of globe continued to grow through agencies such as NAM & U.N. (both of which India was a founding member).
After that in 1990, Rao-Manmohan LPG model (Liberalization, Privatization & Globalization) = growing economy + globally competitive = growing globalization. This model includes various steps which give a boost to globalization such as:-
1. Scrapping of Industrial licensing regime,
2. Reduction in the number of areas reserved for Public sector,
3. Amendment of the monopolies & restrictive trade practices Act,
4. Start of privatization programme,
5. Reduction in tariff areas,
6. Change over from controlled to Market determined exchange rates, etc.
Merits and Demerits: As we know that everything especially UPSC topics comes with their own merits and demerits. So lets look at some of the basic merits & demerits of Globalization.
Merits:
1. Jobs from developed countries to developing countries => increase in employment. E.g. BPO/KPO/IT/ Pharmacy jobs from USA/UK/Japan to India => India as a back office of world.
2. International Market for Companies (Global Markets) => their product renounced over worldwide => increase in sales and presence. E.g. Mac Donalds joint at Kashmiri gate, New Delhi.
3. Consumers have an option to choose from a wide range of products => they can have cheapest, best thing. Choice
4. Increase in flow of foreign capital in form of FDI(back stage cold storage) + FII (hot capital in share markets) => Financial development
5. Flow of information between countries through TV, Internet, etc.
6. Cultural interaction => overcome cultural barrier.
7. Technological development in developing countries
8. Boom in Telecommunication & service industry
9. Increase in volume of Trade => development
10. Foreign industries are collaborating with different Indian universities => education => control on illiteracy + Access to better & quality education/medical services
11. Increased in the purchasing capability of the nation through the creation of a sizeable middle class which is hungry for quality goods and services while there coexists a large poor class whose time is yet to come due to trickledown effect of globalization & development.
12. Extension of internet facilities even to remotest rural areas + Infrastructure development in rural areas => rural development, Inclusive growth, brings rural to main stream economy.
13. We can export what we produce in excess => less wastage + Import what we produce in deficient => meeting of requirements. Win-Win situation
Demerits:
1. Trade deficit (as in case of India) which hurt most in case of under-developed & developing economies & widen the gap between the developed & not so developed economies?
2. Drugs Arms Human Trafficking.
3. Outsourcing of jobs from developed countries to developing countries =>
Phase 1: loss of jobs in developed countries => unrest in developed countries
Phase 2: protectionist measures as recently in USA & Saudi Arabia => against the spirit of globalization + unrest in developing countries workers
1. Spread of communicable diseases like bird flu, swine flu, Japanese encephalitis
2. Interlinked economies => slowing down of economies of big players (USA, UK, etc) => cause havoc result on economies of developing & under- developed countries. E.g. Global recession which starts in USA => loss in jobs worldwide, economy of almost all countries more or less suffers.
3. Agriculture sector not improved as much as Service & Manufacturing sector. Agriculture share in GDP decreased, numbers of landless families increase, increase in farmers committing suicides. Matter of serious concern for countries like India which being an agriculture economy, more than 80% population directly or indirectly dependent on Agriculture.
4. Workers for same service in developing & under-developed countries are not paid equally to their counterparts in Developed countries => against the principle of equality for all
5. For smaller developing countries at the receiving end, it could indirectly lead to a subtle form of colonization
6. MNCs ruling the globe.
7. Not inclusive & equitable growth, rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorer
8. Not sustainable growth, development on growing negligence of environment, forests, wildlife etc.
9. In lure of easy money Indias youth leaving the education in mid-way & joining BPOs => decreasing skill level.
10. Destruction of traditional service providers. E.g. old restaurants, parathas & lassi are replaced by Mc. Donalds, Fast food & Chinese restaurants, cold drinks. In place of old cinema halls, multiplexes are coming up. In place of local kirana shops, malls have come up.
11. Advanced equipments. This equipment utility reduced the need of human labour force. Hence the rural people are shifting from place to place for want of labour for their livelihood.
12. Natural manure is replaced by synthetic fertilizers environment consequences.
13. As there is a shift from food crops to export crops, the prices of food items went on high, and the poor people couldn't buy from their meager income. Similar trend for clothing, housing health. Inflation
14. Developed countries fetching more benefits while developing & under developed not so much.
Conclusion:
Flowing with globalization, India is shining in nearly every area.
Her GDP has increased since 1991.
She is getting a global recognition and slowly moving towards to become a major economic & political strength.
Though the development is progressing rapidly, still many basic problems like rural poverty, corruption and political instability remained unsolved.
One would expect that the fruits of liberalization and globalization would have a trickledown effect through the collection of taxes and revenues by Government due to increased trade and commerce.
Globalization must be build upon the economic notion that free trade helps everybody and lift the poor out of poverty.
Ankur Gupta
List of reference websites-URL and books you used to prepare the article
Google, Wikipedia, taken help from many sites & books though not remember the exact names of sites/books as I prepared this article in breaks and I noticed the line List of reference websites-URL and books you used to prepare the article just while sending this doc. Also information gained earlier was in my back mind, so dont remember that sites/books from where I gained information earlier.
Afghanistan-India & the World
Foreign policy of a country defines the future of a country to a greater extend as it decides two crucial issues namely 1.National security 2.Economic Integration
Background
How did Afghanistan come to this condition?
Phase 1: British Empire(India) vs. Emirate of Afghanistan
* Afghanistan has been called the graveyard of Empires as no single power was able to rein it completely in the past because its resistive tribes this holds true even now
* Afghanistan with free foreign policy as a nation was born as a result of Third Anglo-Afghan War(1919)
* Third Anglo-Afghan War(1919)= British Empire(India) vs. Emirate of Afghanistan
* Why war?
* Britain was worried about Russian influence on Afghanistan which would lead to invasion on India
* Britain had been trying to influence Afghan in its favour through large subsidy to its ruler but bore less fruit as Afghan played the side which paid more which had earlier resulted into Second Afghan war(18781880) effectively enabled control over Afghanistan till the death of Habibullah
* Amanullah, Habibullah third son took over amid power struggle in the kingdom sensing he cannot retain power if he didnt placate the conservatives , decided to go on war as the situation in British India was sensitive post Jallianwala Bagh Massacre(1919).Amanullah invaded British India
* Result?
* British had a tactical victory pushing back Afghanistan army
* But loss from the Indian side was high, both sides had their gains
* Amanuallah managed to stave off the domestic crisis and gained free foreign policy emerged as a independent state by the Treaty of Rawalpindi(1919)
* Britain political gain remained in Afghanistans acceptance of Durrand line
* Durrand line is a contentious issue between Afghanistan and Pakistan now
Phase 2:Cold war Era: The Soviet intervention
* Post Afghanistan independence the notable ruler of Afghanistan was King Mohammad Zahir Shah, remembered for his modern outlook established National legislature & improving the status of Woman
* He built greater ties with the Soviet Union arms purchases, infra projects @ the height of Cold war, this became eye sore for USA which established tie with Zahir through USAID
* Instability crept in when communist factions and Islamic factions of Afghan fighting each other Zahir was overthrown by his cousin Mohammad daoud
* India was the only country to recognize the soviet backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in 1980s.
* This pushed back Afghanistan to pre- modern state as Islamic forces were against any change from traditional society
* Soviet Union deployed troops to prevent further control of militias known as Mujahedin
* The USA assisted the Mujahedin in the war against Soviet union
* The anti war sentiments in Soviet union & new leader in power Mikail Gorbachev decided to pull out which was decided based on the Geneva Accords(1988)
* The Geneva accords led to withdraw on both sides;USA it considered a decisive victory over Soviet Union
* Massive reduction in aids followed with the fall of Soviet Union thus leaving a weak government under Najibullah Ahamedzei
Phase 3: Rise of Taliban:
* The weak government of Najibullah fell and the Mujahedins took over the rule of Afghanistan
* Mujahedins were primarily group of 7 Islamic organizations popularly known as Peshawar 7
* The fall of govt lead to in fighting under agreement between the P7 Rabbani became the President he was the UN accepted President even during the later Taliban regime & India too acknowledged him as the President
* A group of Mujahedins disappointed with the infighting between Ruling Mujahedins formed the Taliban movement, they moved to Pakistani madrassas based on the learning there they established the Taliban rule later in Afghanistan
* The infighting among the mujahidins & the civil war made them unpopular which lead to rise in popularity of Taliban in Afghanistan
* Taliban captured Afghanistan at their peak almost had control over 90% of Afghanistan
* Only 3 countries recognized them namely Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia
* Taliban regime was lead by Mullah Mohammad Umar
* Taliban regime(September 1996-November 2001) became vastly unpopular around the world for its treatment of woman, banning TV,music,dance
* Al Qaeda leader Osama bin laden shifted to Afghanistan from Sudan
* The USA throughout pressured Afghanistan to extradite Osama Bin Laden for his attacks on American Embassies throughout the world, Afghanistan refused ties worsened to low point with the September 11 Attacks
* The Bush regime decided to over throw Talibans militarily
* The USA along with NATO forces launched Operation Enduring Freedom along with the Northern Alliance
* The war ended with top leaders escaping to Pakistan including Mohammad Umar & Osama Bin laden (killed by USA:Operation code named Operation Neptune Spear)
Northern Alliance:
* The Northern Alliance is primarily a group of Multi ethnic opposition group consisting of non Pastuns namely Tajiks,Uzbeks & Hazaras .
* The Talibans are primarily Pastuns.Pastuns are the largest population in Afghanistan accounting to 42%
* The Northern Alliance once a group with infighting joined forces with America to defeat Talibans
Phase 4: Post war Afghanistan Karzai Regime
* Post war Bush regime argued that the past mistake of USA post Soviet defeat where USA left Afghanistan lead to the rise of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan hence the nations must come forward to Nation Building of Afghanistan which was accepted by UN
* The Bonn Agreement was signed-to recreate the State of Afghanistan post American Invasion of Afghanistan
* Bonn agreement called for creation of new constitution formation of Interim Government which was headed by Hamid Karzai
* This was followed by elections which Karzai won and is in his second term
* The United Nations involves itself in nation building through United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan(UNAMA)
* UNAMA-involved in Afghan Governance & Nation Building Process
* America has been training the local forces to defend themselves post exit but the current strength of the Afghanistan National security forces is not expected to hold itself against enemy onslaught post exit of western forces
Major Conferences held:
* International Conference on Afghanistan, Bonn Conference I (2001)
* Led to the appointment of Hamid Karzai as leader of Afghan Interim Authority & signing of Bonn agreement. Tagline: The Decade of Transition
* International Conference on Afghanistan, Bonn Conference II (2011)
* Held a decade after Bonn I
* Shift from Decade of Transition(2001-2011) to Decade of Transformation(2014-2024)
* NATO Objective: Leave Afghanistan transferring power to Afghan National Security Forces by 2014
* Karzai Regime Objective: Convince Western forces continue partnership of nation building of Afghanistan through Foreign Aids till Country ready to stand on its own.
* Pakistan boycotted the conference thus reducing the scope of conference to some extend
* Conference mentioned need for reconciliation with insurgents groups to further peace process
* Istanbul Process(2011 Istanbul,2012 Kabul) a.k.a Heart of Asia Conference
* Focused encouraging co operation between Afghanistan & its neighbours
* Key areas of Confidence Building measures(CBM)
* Education, student Exchange Programmes(lead member Iran)
* Disaster Management (lead member Pakistan & Kazakhstan)
* Drug trafficking (lead member Russia & Azerbaijan)
* Terrorism & counter Terrorism measures (lead members UAE,Turkey &Afghanistan)
* Chambers of Commerce & Commercial Opportunities (lead member India)
* NATO Chicago Conference( 2012 )
* Held in Chicago, meeting between heads of NATO
* Discussed various issues one of them being Afghanistan policy
* Endorse exit strategy of Afghan war
* Long term support & commitment to Afghanistan
* Power transition to Afghanistan forces
* Pledge fund for Afghan forces development
* Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan(2012)
* GOI partnering with CII & Afghanistan organized investment summit on Afghanistan
to attract foreign investment on Afghanistan
* Earlier in Istanbul process the confidence building measure India was chosen the lead member of Commerce and India followed it up with this summit proving Afghanistans importance to India
* Key areas of investment being Mining, hydrocarbon, Infrastructure, Healthcare & Telecom
* Tokya Conference (2012)
* Tokya conference relates to series of conditions set by International Community
* Key conditions being hold fair elections in 2014
* Improve access to justice, accept International standards on human rights
* Fight Corruption,Terror Financing,money laundering
* Counter menance of illicit narcotics drugs through crop eradication and move towards alternative forms of Agriculture
* 92% of non Pharmaceutical Opium originate from Afghanistan worth $4 billion
* The donors agreed to donate $16 Billion on acceptance of the above conditions
Phase 5: Situation @ hand and Strategic Importance of Afghanistan
* Western approach in solving the Afghan Taliban crisis since Afghan war has been a failure
* West is searching for a way to leave Afghanistan when the situation is worser than 2001 as the war has become unwinnable with the Haqqani & Pakistani nexus hurting the western forces badly
* Plausible solution @ US hand
* Withdraw by 2014
* Maintain a military presence post 2014 in some form
* Reconciliation with the insurgency groups operating from Pakistan
* Train & Rebuild Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)
* Security transition to ANSF by 2014
* Reconciliation road block as Non Pastuns Minority ethnic groups oppose peace with Taliban as they fear oppression which in case may lead to a future civil war in Afghanistan
* In case of a civil war the situation might tilt towards Pakistan & Haqqani network which could be detrimental for Indias security interests
Indias Position
* India has been neutral so far in handling Afghanistan even during the Taliban regime India worked with UN recognized government of Burhanuddin Rabbani.
* After the overthrow of Taliban regime India continues to work with Karzai
* Factors that affect Indias strategy are
* Taliban factor
* Lack of unity between Karzai & Western forces
* Reduction of Western troops
* Impact of Pakistans influence post western forces exit
* India expects establishment of a modern Islamic state free from Talibani & Pakistani influences as the above forces would deny India the space to work in Afghanistan
* India has so far committed US $2 Billion for reconstruction is Afghanistan and cannot turn blind eye towards such a strategically important country as it might affect the power balance in Asia
Indias work in Afghanistan so far:
* India & Afghanistan have so far signed Strategic Partnership Agreement during Karzais visit to India
* India is the fifth Bilateral largest donor to Afghanistan
* Indias assistance to Afghanistan can be categorized as 3 types
* Humanitarian Assistance(e.g. food aid )
* Infrastructure Projects
* Capacity Building measures
* Major Infra projects by India
* Construction of 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram to facilitate movement of goods and services from Afghanistan to the Iranian border and, onward, to the Chahbahar Port (Strategic Importance for India earlier explained by Mrunal)
* Construction of the Afghan Parliament
* Construction and commissioning of Salma Dam power project (42 MW) in Herat province
* Restoration of telecommunication infrastructure in 11 provinces
Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhQRPbYQ2NfvxMhMmZT-XG__gdaDVPf9HzLmdXLXbF-Khq8Fpmrb7kqHRHTW0NM_tkQ2KjmZohl4QiVZPp0RGzNOoMZYbOwIRGyfSy2ulJsz1BdooBE46X7iZc0GqrA-tM-8rSRbalOY/s400/IndiaAfghanistan.jpg
* Education and capacity development
* Reconstruction of Habibia School, Kabul.
* 500 annual long-term university scholarships sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for under-graduate and postgraduate studies for Afghan students in India.
* Indian Interests in Afghanistan:
* Indias Interest in Afghanistan is not just in maintaining the balance towards Pakistan it also goes in the direction of economic purposes of trade on the long run
* A stable Afghanistan would improve intercontinental trade for India through road
* By 2015, Indias trade with Europe, CIS(Commonwealth of Independent states) countries ,Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan would be about $500 billion annually.
* If 20 per cent of this trade were to be conducted through road, $100 billion of Indian trade would be passing through Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.
* This will greatly help North Indian states in the region of trade
* A stable Afghanistan would enable India to implement Connect Central Asia Policy of India(explained earlier by Mrunal)
* TAPI pipeline could be implemented as this could fulfill Indias energy needs(TAPI pipeline explained in Mrunal.org )
* India plans to push International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which a stable Afghanistan can play a role through DelaramZaranj Highway(Afghanistan) via the Chabahar Port(Iran) bypassing Pakistan in the process.
* Both DelaramZaranj Highway(Afghanistan) and reach the Chabahar Port(Iran)
are funded by India
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
* INSTC is a Multimodal network from India passing through Iran and thus reaching Central Asia and Europe
* The route starts with Mumbai(India) Bandar Abbas Port(Iran) Moscow(Russia) Northern Europe
* INSTC initiated by India,Russia,Iran now joined by 11 more countries Azerbaija,Armenia,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan,Turkey,Ukraine,Belarus,Oman,
Syria,Bulgaria
Source:The Hindu
Other Countries:
Pakistan:
* Pakistan plays a crucial role Afghanistans future
* Pakistans objectives are diametrically opposite to that of India
* Pakistan doesnt want Afghanistan to align with India and wants it to provide Strategic depth against India
* Pakistan has been giving safe haven for insurgent groups to gain leverage in Afghanistan.
* Pakistan also wants to train the ANSF
* The Afghanistan Pakistan relations have improved since Sharif took charge & high level envoy ,foreign policy advisor Sartaj Aziz was send to Afghanistan.
* Karzai accepted Pakistan invitation to Pakistan also attended Sharifs sworning as PM
* Afghanistan has border issues with regard to UN recognized Durrand line which Afghanistan doesnt accept
* Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) was signed between the two nations provides easier transportation via Pakistan of Afghan products
* APTTA allows dropping of Afghanistan goods to India but doesnt taking back Indian goods back to Afghanistan
Iran:
* Iran seeks to prevent USA gain too much leverage in Afghanistan as it might help USA to attack Iran on the long run
* Iran also wants to protect the Shia population in Afghanistan
* Iran is also seen to arm Taliban against USA
Central Asian States:
* Central Asian States are seen to provide key assistance to USA to fly in troops to the region
* The USA proposed New Silk Road(NSR) seeks to bring Afghanistan crossroads between Central & South Asia were Central Asia states play a pivotal role.
China:
* China has played a limited role in Afghanistan,keeping an eye on Islamic uprisings which could affect Uighur community in China
* Chinas interest has been primarily on investment in minerals and other investment oriented activities also provide some leverage for its ally Pakistan
The Future Ahead
Status of Force Agreement/Strategic Partnership:
* The USA signed strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan yet it is different from the Status of Force Agreement (SoFA)
* Status of Force Agreement (SoFA) was earlier signed between USA & Iraq to retain its forces there.
* The current partnership agreement stops short of such conditions as it claims after the signing of the strategic partnership agreement the two countries would initiate negotiation on a Bilateral Security Agreement
* This shows lack of consensus between the two countries which could hamper peace after 2014 ,depends on the troops that stay post 2014 to understand the followup in Afghanistan
* The future of stability in Indian sub continent depends to some extend on the level troops that is retained in Afghanistan that NATO troops in Afghanistan are retained
Taliban Office:
* On June 18, 2013, with U.S. and Qatari concurrence, the Taliban formally opened its political office in Qatar, simultaneously issuing a statement refusing future ties to international terrorist groups
* Expressing willingness to eventually transition to Afghan government-Taliban talks.
* However, the Taliban violated reported understandings with the United States and Qatar by raising above the building the flag of the former Taliban regime and calling the facility the office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Conclusion
The Future of Geopolitical situation is Indian subcontinent largely rests on the stability in Afghanistan after exit of NATO forces & how the world handles the Talibani group and Northern Alliance.
By R.Aditya
Sources:
http://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/176_india-and-afghanistan-a-development-partnership.pdf
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/IranfactorinIndiasAfghanPolicy_sspattanaik_240812
http://www.idsa.in/strategicanalysis/36_4/IndiasAfghanPolicy_SmrutiPattanaik
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/26/nato-taliban-india-pakistan
http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Asia/0813pp_indiaafghanistan.pdf
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL30588.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1652187.stm
http://www.ipcs.org/article/pakistan/bonn-ii-from-transition-to-transformation-in-afghanistan-3528.html
http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/04/26/istanbul-process-ministerial-results-and-prospects-for-future/g05j
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/world/nato-formally-agrees-to-transition-on-afghan-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/TheDelhiInvestmentSummitonAfghanistan_gsachdeva_260612
http://www.unodc.org/afghanistan/en/Events/tokyo-conference-on-afghanistan.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/global-corridor-will-cut-cargo-transit-time/article3474227.ece
Book:India s Neighbourhood Challenges in Next two decades by INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES & ANALYSES(IDSA)
Background
How did Afghanistan come to this condition?
Phase 1: British Empire(India) vs. Emirate of Afghanistan
* Afghanistan has been called the graveyard of Empires as no single power was able to rein it completely in the past because its resistive tribes this holds true even now
* Afghanistan with free foreign policy as a nation was born as a result of Third Anglo-Afghan War(1919)
* Third Anglo-Afghan War(1919)= British Empire(India) vs. Emirate of Afghanistan
* Why war?
* Britain was worried about Russian influence on Afghanistan which would lead to invasion on India
* Britain had been trying to influence Afghan in its favour through large subsidy to its ruler but bore less fruit as Afghan played the side which paid more which had earlier resulted into Second Afghan war(18781880) effectively enabled control over Afghanistan till the death of Habibullah
* Amanullah, Habibullah third son took over amid power struggle in the kingdom sensing he cannot retain power if he didnt placate the conservatives , decided to go on war as the situation in British India was sensitive post Jallianwala Bagh Massacre(1919).Amanullah invaded British India
* Result?
* British had a tactical victory pushing back Afghanistan army
* But loss from the Indian side was high, both sides had their gains
* Amanuallah managed to stave off the domestic crisis and gained free foreign policy emerged as a independent state by the Treaty of Rawalpindi(1919)
* Britain political gain remained in Afghanistans acceptance of Durrand line
* Durrand line is a contentious issue between Afghanistan and Pakistan now
Phase 2:Cold war Era: The Soviet intervention
* Post Afghanistan independence the notable ruler of Afghanistan was King Mohammad Zahir Shah, remembered for his modern outlook established National legislature & improving the status of Woman
* He built greater ties with the Soviet Union arms purchases, infra projects @ the height of Cold war, this became eye sore for USA which established tie with Zahir through USAID
* Instability crept in when communist factions and Islamic factions of Afghan fighting each other Zahir was overthrown by his cousin Mohammad daoud
* India was the only country to recognize the soviet backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in 1980s.
* This pushed back Afghanistan to pre- modern state as Islamic forces were against any change from traditional society
* Soviet Union deployed troops to prevent further control of militias known as Mujahedin
* The USA assisted the Mujahedin in the war against Soviet union
* The anti war sentiments in Soviet union & new leader in power Mikail Gorbachev decided to pull out which was decided based on the Geneva Accords(1988)
* The Geneva accords led to withdraw on both sides;USA it considered a decisive victory over Soviet Union
* Massive reduction in aids followed with the fall of Soviet Union thus leaving a weak government under Najibullah Ahamedzei
Phase 3: Rise of Taliban:
* The weak government of Najibullah fell and the Mujahedins took over the rule of Afghanistan
* Mujahedins were primarily group of 7 Islamic organizations popularly known as Peshawar 7
* The fall of govt lead to in fighting under agreement between the P7 Rabbani became the President he was the UN accepted President even during the later Taliban regime & India too acknowledged him as the President
* A group of Mujahedins disappointed with the infighting between Ruling Mujahedins formed the Taliban movement, they moved to Pakistani madrassas based on the learning there they established the Taliban rule later in Afghanistan
* The infighting among the mujahidins & the civil war made them unpopular which lead to rise in popularity of Taliban in Afghanistan
* Taliban captured Afghanistan at their peak almost had control over 90% of Afghanistan
* Only 3 countries recognized them namely Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia
* Taliban regime was lead by Mullah Mohammad Umar
* Taliban regime(September 1996-November 2001) became vastly unpopular around the world for its treatment of woman, banning TV,music,dance
* Al Qaeda leader Osama bin laden shifted to Afghanistan from Sudan
* The USA throughout pressured Afghanistan to extradite Osama Bin Laden for his attacks on American Embassies throughout the world, Afghanistan refused ties worsened to low point with the September 11 Attacks
* The Bush regime decided to over throw Talibans militarily
* The USA along with NATO forces launched Operation Enduring Freedom along with the Northern Alliance
* The war ended with top leaders escaping to Pakistan including Mohammad Umar & Osama Bin laden (killed by USA:Operation code named Operation Neptune Spear)
Northern Alliance:
* The Northern Alliance is primarily a group of Multi ethnic opposition group consisting of non Pastuns namely Tajiks,Uzbeks & Hazaras .
* The Talibans are primarily Pastuns.Pastuns are the largest population in Afghanistan accounting to 42%
* The Northern Alliance once a group with infighting joined forces with America to defeat Talibans
Phase 4: Post war Afghanistan Karzai Regime
* Post war Bush regime argued that the past mistake of USA post Soviet defeat where USA left Afghanistan lead to the rise of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan hence the nations must come forward to Nation Building of Afghanistan which was accepted by UN
* The Bonn Agreement was signed-to recreate the State of Afghanistan post American Invasion of Afghanistan
* Bonn agreement called for creation of new constitution formation of Interim Government which was headed by Hamid Karzai
* This was followed by elections which Karzai won and is in his second term
* The United Nations involves itself in nation building through United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan(UNAMA)
* UNAMA-involved in Afghan Governance & Nation Building Process
* America has been training the local forces to defend themselves post exit but the current strength of the Afghanistan National security forces is not expected to hold itself against enemy onslaught post exit of western forces
Major Conferences held:
* International Conference on Afghanistan, Bonn Conference I (2001)
* Led to the appointment of Hamid Karzai as leader of Afghan Interim Authority & signing of Bonn agreement. Tagline: The Decade of Transition
* International Conference on Afghanistan, Bonn Conference II (2011)
* Held a decade after Bonn I
* Shift from Decade of Transition(2001-2011) to Decade of Transformation(2014-2024)
* NATO Objective: Leave Afghanistan transferring power to Afghan National Security Forces by 2014
* Karzai Regime Objective: Convince Western forces continue partnership of nation building of Afghanistan through Foreign Aids till Country ready to stand on its own.
* Pakistan boycotted the conference thus reducing the scope of conference to some extend
* Conference mentioned need for reconciliation with insurgents groups to further peace process
* Istanbul Process(2011 Istanbul,2012 Kabul) a.k.a Heart of Asia Conference
* Focused encouraging co operation between Afghanistan & its neighbours
* Key areas of Confidence Building measures(CBM)
* Education, student Exchange Programmes(lead member Iran)
* Disaster Management (lead member Pakistan & Kazakhstan)
* Drug trafficking (lead member Russia & Azerbaijan)
* Terrorism & counter Terrorism measures (lead members UAE,Turkey &Afghanistan)
* Chambers of Commerce & Commercial Opportunities (lead member India)
* NATO Chicago Conference( 2012 )
* Held in Chicago, meeting between heads of NATO
* Discussed various issues one of them being Afghanistan policy
* Endorse exit strategy of Afghan war
* Long term support & commitment to Afghanistan
* Power transition to Afghanistan forces
* Pledge fund for Afghan forces development
* Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan(2012)
* GOI partnering with CII & Afghanistan organized investment summit on Afghanistan
to attract foreign investment on Afghanistan
* Earlier in Istanbul process the confidence building measure India was chosen the lead member of Commerce and India followed it up with this summit proving Afghanistans importance to India
* Key areas of investment being Mining, hydrocarbon, Infrastructure, Healthcare & Telecom
* Tokya Conference (2012)
* Tokya conference relates to series of conditions set by International Community
* Key conditions being hold fair elections in 2014
* Improve access to justice, accept International standards on human rights
* Fight Corruption,Terror Financing,money laundering
* Counter menance of illicit narcotics drugs through crop eradication and move towards alternative forms of Agriculture
* 92% of non Pharmaceutical Opium originate from Afghanistan worth $4 billion
* The donors agreed to donate $16 Billion on acceptance of the above conditions
Phase 5: Situation @ hand and Strategic Importance of Afghanistan
* Western approach in solving the Afghan Taliban crisis since Afghan war has been a failure
* West is searching for a way to leave Afghanistan when the situation is worser than 2001 as the war has become unwinnable with the Haqqani & Pakistani nexus hurting the western forces badly
* Plausible solution @ US hand
* Withdraw by 2014
* Maintain a military presence post 2014 in some form
* Reconciliation with the insurgency groups operating from Pakistan
* Train & Rebuild Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)
* Security transition to ANSF by 2014
* Reconciliation road block as Non Pastuns Minority ethnic groups oppose peace with Taliban as they fear oppression which in case may lead to a future civil war in Afghanistan
* In case of a civil war the situation might tilt towards Pakistan & Haqqani network which could be detrimental for Indias security interests
Indias Position
* India has been neutral so far in handling Afghanistan even during the Taliban regime India worked with UN recognized government of Burhanuddin Rabbani.
* After the overthrow of Taliban regime India continues to work with Karzai
* Factors that affect Indias strategy are
* Taliban factor
* Lack of unity between Karzai & Western forces
* Reduction of Western troops
* Impact of Pakistans influence post western forces exit
* India expects establishment of a modern Islamic state free from Talibani & Pakistani influences as the above forces would deny India the space to work in Afghanistan
* India has so far committed US $2 Billion for reconstruction is Afghanistan and cannot turn blind eye towards such a strategically important country as it might affect the power balance in Asia
Indias work in Afghanistan so far:
* India & Afghanistan have so far signed Strategic Partnership Agreement during Karzais visit to India
* India is the fifth Bilateral largest donor to Afghanistan
* Indias assistance to Afghanistan can be categorized as 3 types
* Humanitarian Assistance(e.g. food aid )
* Infrastructure Projects
* Capacity Building measures
* Major Infra projects by India
* Construction of 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram to facilitate movement of goods and services from Afghanistan to the Iranian border and, onward, to the Chahbahar Port (Strategic Importance for India earlier explained by Mrunal)
* Construction of the Afghan Parliament
* Construction and commissioning of Salma Dam power project (42 MW) in Herat province
* Restoration of telecommunication infrastructure in 11 provinces
Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhQRPbYQ2NfvxMhMmZT-XG__gdaDVPf9HzLmdXLXbF-Khq8Fpmrb7kqHRHTW0NM_tkQ2KjmZohl4QiVZPp0RGzNOoMZYbOwIRGyfSy2ulJsz1BdooBE46X7iZc0GqrA-tM-8rSRbalOY/s400/IndiaAfghanistan.jpg
* Education and capacity development
* Reconstruction of Habibia School, Kabul.
* 500 annual long-term university scholarships sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for under-graduate and postgraduate studies for Afghan students in India.
* Indian Interests in Afghanistan:
* Indias Interest in Afghanistan is not just in maintaining the balance towards Pakistan it also goes in the direction of economic purposes of trade on the long run
* A stable Afghanistan would improve intercontinental trade for India through road
* By 2015, Indias trade with Europe, CIS(Commonwealth of Independent states) countries ,Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan would be about $500 billion annually.
* If 20 per cent of this trade were to be conducted through road, $100 billion of Indian trade would be passing through Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.
* This will greatly help North Indian states in the region of trade
* A stable Afghanistan would enable India to implement Connect Central Asia Policy of India(explained earlier by Mrunal)
* TAPI pipeline could be implemented as this could fulfill Indias energy needs(TAPI pipeline explained in Mrunal.org )
* India plans to push International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which a stable Afghanistan can play a role through DelaramZaranj Highway(Afghanistan) via the Chabahar Port(Iran) bypassing Pakistan in the process.
* Both DelaramZaranj Highway(Afghanistan) and reach the Chabahar Port(Iran)
are funded by India
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
* INSTC is a Multimodal network from India passing through Iran and thus reaching Central Asia and Europe
* The route starts with Mumbai(India) Bandar Abbas Port(Iran) Moscow(Russia) Northern Europe
* INSTC initiated by India,Russia,Iran now joined by 11 more countries Azerbaija,Armenia,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan,Turkey,Ukraine,Belarus,Oman,
Syria,Bulgaria
Source:The Hindu
Other Countries:
Pakistan:
* Pakistan plays a crucial role Afghanistans future
* Pakistans objectives are diametrically opposite to that of India
* Pakistan doesnt want Afghanistan to align with India and wants it to provide Strategic depth against India
* Pakistan has been giving safe haven for insurgent groups to gain leverage in Afghanistan.
* Pakistan also wants to train the ANSF
* The Afghanistan Pakistan relations have improved since Sharif took charge & high level envoy ,foreign policy advisor Sartaj Aziz was send to Afghanistan.
* Karzai accepted Pakistan invitation to Pakistan also attended Sharifs sworning as PM
* Afghanistan has border issues with regard to UN recognized Durrand line which Afghanistan doesnt accept
* Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) was signed between the two nations provides easier transportation via Pakistan of Afghan products
* APTTA allows dropping of Afghanistan goods to India but doesnt taking back Indian goods back to Afghanistan
Iran:
* Iran seeks to prevent USA gain too much leverage in Afghanistan as it might help USA to attack Iran on the long run
* Iran also wants to protect the Shia population in Afghanistan
* Iran is also seen to arm Taliban against USA
Central Asian States:
* Central Asian States are seen to provide key assistance to USA to fly in troops to the region
* The USA proposed New Silk Road(NSR) seeks to bring Afghanistan crossroads between Central & South Asia were Central Asia states play a pivotal role.
China:
* China has played a limited role in Afghanistan,keeping an eye on Islamic uprisings which could affect Uighur community in China
* Chinas interest has been primarily on investment in minerals and other investment oriented activities also provide some leverage for its ally Pakistan
The Future Ahead
Status of Force Agreement/Strategic Partnership:
* The USA signed strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan yet it is different from the Status of Force Agreement (SoFA)
* Status of Force Agreement (SoFA) was earlier signed between USA & Iraq to retain its forces there.
* The current partnership agreement stops short of such conditions as it claims after the signing of the strategic partnership agreement the two countries would initiate negotiation on a Bilateral Security Agreement
* This shows lack of consensus between the two countries which could hamper peace after 2014 ,depends on the troops that stay post 2014 to understand the followup in Afghanistan
* The future of stability in Indian sub continent depends to some extend on the level troops that is retained in Afghanistan that NATO troops in Afghanistan are retained
Taliban Office:
* On June 18, 2013, with U.S. and Qatari concurrence, the Taliban formally opened its political office in Qatar, simultaneously issuing a statement refusing future ties to international terrorist groups
* Expressing willingness to eventually transition to Afghan government-Taliban talks.
* However, the Taliban violated reported understandings with the United States and Qatar by raising above the building the flag of the former Taliban regime and calling the facility the office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Conclusion
The Future of Geopolitical situation is Indian subcontinent largely rests on the stability in Afghanistan after exit of NATO forces & how the world handles the Talibani group and Northern Alliance.
By R.Aditya
Sources:
http://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/176_india-and-afghanistan-a-development-partnership.pdf
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/IranfactorinIndiasAfghanPolicy_sspattanaik_240812
http://www.idsa.in/strategicanalysis/36_4/IndiasAfghanPolicy_SmrutiPattanaik
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/26/nato-taliban-india-pakistan
http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Asia/0813pp_indiaafghanistan.pdf
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL30588.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1652187.stm
http://www.ipcs.org/article/pakistan/bonn-ii-from-transition-to-transformation-in-afghanistan-3528.html
http://carnegieendowment.org/2013/04/26/istanbul-process-ministerial-results-and-prospects-for-future/g05j
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/world/nato-formally-agrees-to-transition-on-afghan-security.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/TheDelhiInvestmentSummitonAfghanistan_gsachdeva_260612
http://www.unodc.org/afghanistan/en/Events/tokyo-conference-on-afghanistan.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/global-corridor-will-cut-cargo-transit-time/article3474227.ece
Book:India s Neighbourhood Challenges in Next two decades by INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES & ANALYSES(IDSA)
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