tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742850.post113529268909673604..comments2009-01-07T23:02:08.386-08:00iFaqeerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739713117247515590noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742850.post-1136275895990754662006-01-03T00:11:00.000-08:002006-01-03T00:11:00.000-08:002006-01-03T00:11:00.000-08:00Dear "PB",<BR/><BR/>The idea that Economic development can really curb the perennial Indo-Pak BS is really, really interesting. I always thought that had India been a France or a Germany today, Pakistan woudn't be BSing with India, and like wise, had Pakiland been a Japan (a country that was screwed up in 1945, almost the same time when India got its independence and Pak came into existance, but is now an awesome economic powerhouse), India coudn't have done much to Pakistan either. <BR/><BR/>Individually, it's required that both the countries try harder and harder and march ahead towards being a developed economy, towards generating more jobs, towards curbing poverty and illiteracy.<BR/><BR/>And, in this march, I somehow believe that they both can be pally to each other: why not start selling cars to Pakistan? Why can't Air Deccan have a subsidary in Pakistan? A tremendous amount of trade can flourish between the two neighbours, which will lead them to help each other directly or indirectly towards their "individual" march towards being an Economic powerhouses. <BR/><BR/>Just a thought!Manzoor Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13916778651884779304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742850.post-1135318158736361602005-12-22T22:09:00.000-08:002005-12-22T22:09:00.000-08:002005-12-22T22:09:00.000-08:00Hello Neighbor to you too Sabahat!<BR/><BR/>Before I comment on anything you have said, I must commend you on writing these interesting blogs. I have most truly enjoyed reading them as I just ran into them today. I would like to note one more point for some of your other readers. I am not trying to incite any “irrationally exuberant” feelings on either side of our culture. So to those readers of your blog that may want to start bashing me, I say “just hold your damn horses” and be prudent and comprehensible in your discussions, if any. <BR/><BR/>I am not a proponent of Hindu India or a Muslim Pakistan. I am only stating the historical basis upon which the countries were partitioned. I agree with your point that we were all a part of the bigger union, historically and remain so today. Nonetheless, we do not live Wizard of Oz type of life today. The geopolitical reality has changed in the last 60 years. As much as I would like to see it, it is not likely to change overnight. We do need more people like you who are the eternal optimists and are not willing to give up!<BR/><BR/>I also feel that comparing the Greater India (historically) with Europe may be a bit of a stretch. The Indian establishment has come to distrust the Pakistani establishment and I for one believe that there is good reason to do so. I say this based on the fact that Pakistan has been ruled by Army Generals for most of its history, who have placed their vested interests ahead of any “friendship building” exercise. On the other hand, in Europe after World War II, there was a conscientious effort to adopt democratic ways and rebuild the lost trust among nations. That effort has not yet been replicated by the Pakistani generals, including Musharraf. In fact, I would consider Musharraf to be as disingenuous as the rest of the pack. He promised to remove himself from power in 2-3 years and he is still around. I understand there is a war going on in a neighboring country, but no war ever distracted the Indians from electing democratic governments. My point in all this, merely talking about building better relations is not going to do it. <BR/><BR/>I have always said to friends that one of the most effective ways of solving this problem is through massive economic development. Someone has rightfully said, “Na baap barha na bhaiyaa, the whole thing is that ke bhaiyaa sab se barha rupayaa.” If you look back at the history of United States, in the 19th century the Mexicans went to war against the Americans, a time when the Americans were not as strong or as powerful. If you tell someone who has not studied American History (like yours truly) that Mexicans went to WAR against the Americans, they would be shocked, right? But the fact is that Mexicans won’t even dare think about doing that today. I can foresee a similar scenario playing out between India and Pakistan. Massive amounts of economic development either in India or in Pakistan is likely to put a stop to this entire BS. When that happens no one would care to go to war or care whether one is a citizen of India, Pakistan or Jhumri Tallaiyaa! Actually, quite like the people of European Union feel today.<BR/><BR/>I hope this made an iota of sense to you and your readers. I used to be quite idealistic and then I became a blood sucking investment banker and became much more practical.<BR/><BR/>PBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com