Way forward in India-Pakistan relations

Seven steps towards achieving an uninterrupted dialogue:

Fifteen years ago, in a book called Pakistan Papers, largely comprising a long despatch I wrote in my last days as Consul-General of India in Karachi, which I was surprisingly permitted by the government to publish as representing my “personal views”, I had first suggested a process of “uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue” as the only way forward for our two countries. My suggestion had no takers then. It has no takers now. Yet, I see no alternative to structuring such a dialogue if we really are to effect a systemic transformation of the relationship.

Full Story

Time for sit-back, deep breath-take and self-assessment

The Morning Inspection - Malinda

I made the following observation on the state of the nation recently: ‘I don’t believe, as some do, that things are bad. I think, on the contrary, that things are pretty good, all things considered. We haven’t had to sell our national assets. The space has been cleared for development, investment and innovation. Income-earning opportunities have expanded. The cost of living has come down. People are not starving. Times are not easy, but they are not so tough as to warrant food riots.’

Full Story

Convincing mandate quashed regime change bid

PARALLEL Perspectives - Phillip Fernando

Spotlight falls back on the election of 2010 and the convincing mandate won by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with over a 1.5 million vote margin. The challenger Sarath Fonseka failed far short of securing a majority to cause the promised regime change. The reasons are discernible loud and clear now than during the raucous campaign stretch.

Full Story