By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
India is America's friend, Israel's friend and Iran's friend. Amid all the talk of an Israeli strike on Iran, how is India managing to stay friends with everyone? What in the world is going on?
India is being criticized here in America for continuing to trade with Iran despite coordinated sanctions on Tehran. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a staff editorial calling New Delhi "the mullahs' last best friend." It also criticized India for casting its lot with Moscow and Beijing "for a handful of rupees."
Let's get some perspective.
New Delhi's defense is this: Iran is the world's 4th largest oil producer. It's biggest customer is India, which happens to be among the world's largest oil consumers and importers. The type of crude best suited to India's needs happens to be Iranian oil.
So there's an economic argument here - India needs Iran's oil as much as Iran needs to sell it. There have been reports the two countries reached a trade agreement to circumvent sanctions. Iran can't trade in dollars, so it is selling oil to India for rupees and bartered goods instead.
But there are also geopolitical concerns. India lives in a rough neighborhood, with an intense rivalry with Pakistan. Pakistan has for decades believed that it needed to limit India's influence in the region, particularly in Afghanistan. Islamabad has supported the Taliban against the Indian-backed Northern Alliance. And who helped India by siding with the Northern Alliance as well? Iran. The Iranians have always been hostile to the Pakistan-Taliban axis.
Outside of what it views as core interests, India is nowadays inactive on foreign policy. It has rarely been a force for good in the region or around the world. When the Maldives recently had a coup, New Delhi remained passive. During years of unrest in Myanmar, India rarely took a firm stance against the country's brutal military junta. And so on with other crises in the region in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and more. Compared to the clout it wants to have, New Delhi has paid only mild attention to its foreign policy. The Economist recently pointed out that India, with its population of 1.2 billion, has fewer diplomats than New Zealand, with a population of just 4 million!
Americans tend to believe that all good things go together. They befriend India, another democracy, so they will have identical views of foreign policy - the same friends and enemies. But India has different economic and geographic interests. Indians, for their part, think they can be free-riders on the international system, exploit the stability and security of the current set up and narrowly pursue their own interests. But for the world's largest democracy, that's an unworthy mission. India does have a tryst with destiny - and it isn't to buy cheap oil from whomever and damn the consequences.
For more of my thoughts throughout the week, I invite you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter and to visit the Global Public Square every day. Also, for more What in the World? pieces, click here.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Respected, Mr. Fareed Zakaria Garu, Actually one side we are having friends like U S and ISREAL and onether side we having RUSSIA, IRAN,IRAQ, VIATNAM. Here, U S conflict going on with IRAN, But we need two countrys. So we couldnot speek one side, At the same time SYRIAN internal conflict also going on, So our voice was strucked, Because we are the big Democratics and we followed Mahathma Gandhi Ethics. Finally I described to entire World, INDIA is depending on only Democracy.
Realpolitik dominates India's agenda of foreign politics. Amid international sanctions against Iran, a country has two options of action. Either it follows a shepard, like a sheep in the herd. Or it prefers to be a lone wolf and relies on its predatory instinct to survive.
You are attributing too much Machiavellian spine to India's Foreign Policy. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find any realpolitik, either Machiavellian or Kautilyan there.
India has always struggled to execute an assertive foreign policy. Any forays hitherto have been halfhearted and as a result rather clumsy. The Indian citizenry in general is one of the most indifferent populations of any nation on earth when it comes to foreign policy. As has often been the wont, we tend to confuse between morality and foreign policy and mix them up significantly to result in a wavering and disarrayed effort.
Hey, one thing though, in this case, India's loss is the USA's gain. I can't wait for a Fareed Zakaria to happen for India.
I have great respect for Mr. Zakaria, however in this piece he almost across a neocon shilling for the pro-Israel lobby. As an Indian myself, I admire my nation's ability to keep friendship with a lot of nations in the world and the ability to mind its own business. Maybe if the US heeded India's lesson, it wouldn't have so many enemies and an Empire to defend all over the world.
As for Iran, the only reason US has a problem with Iran is because of its Jewish lobby which first had a problem with Saddam (so their politicians concocted a ginned up WMD bogus plan to overthrow him) and now they are doing the same with Iran. Iran, like India is a proud and ancient civilization. Iran hasn't attacked a nation in 300 years (even with hostile neighbors who invaded it and as the US armed Iraqi aggression towards it during the 80s). Think about that 300 years? That's longer than the entire life of the United States.
Now because of political pressure esp. during an election year, we have Mr. Obama under the demands of Congress (really AIPAC, Jewish financiers like Sheldon Adelson, Ed Koch, etc.) and Israel's own threat of pre-emptive aggression; is increasing sanctions against Iran and those who trade with it.
Therefore everyone misses the point when the blame solely the US for its short-sighted attacks against India for allying with Iran. Truth be told, the Pope and Mother Teresa themselves wouldn't be spared by the pro-Israeli press (NY Post, WSJ, FakeNews, Republicans) if they failed to toe the Israel narrative.
You and your girlfiends are here again.
Every single discussion becomes Iran and its islamic morons are better than Israel and America.
Yet, you do not use your own names. Instead, you take WASP names because, you feel "undercover" for Allah.
You pretend you are American but you stab Americans in the back and try to sow dissent among Americans.
Stop lying. You make statements from facts you pull out of your respective as ses and when we ask for references, you start screaming for us to shut up.
In a previous discussion, you and your girlfiends said the following:
Patrick
Come on habibi, say it, say it, say the words.
You want the USA to become a Muslim nation under Sharia law.
Right?
March 25, 2012 at 11:45 am | Reply
Tahir
Of course why not. When you can have wishes for Iran why not the others have.
March 25, 2012 at 5:02 pm |
As I was going to St. Ives, / I met a man with seven wives. / Every wife had seven sacks, / Every sack had seven cats, / Every cat had seven kittens. / Kittens, cats, sacks, wives, / How many were going to St. Ives?
Simon Gruber, only you...... loner!!!
Scam-star congress party who is running the govt with entire collision circus, busy saving their a$$ from gigantic everyday new corruptions and minority appeasement (consider pleasing Muslims, and that is the only reason Fareed got Padma Bhushan from this govt else his contribution to India is none) , PM Monmohan hardly speaks and never heard of him ever acted. Corrupt media both electronic and print are dancing on swiss based black money to make headless chicken a Prime Minister of India. And we should be ashamed as Indian when Fareed need only a 4 lines to phrase out Indian foreign policy with none positive.
This is neocon spin at its best. You are with us, or against us. We have to be "friends" , so we can have same friends and enemies. So, far nobody has identified ONE thing that Iran has done that is illegal and against international law. Yet, sanctions are coming fast and furious from US and Europe. But ten European countries, being our "friends" have been exempt from the oil trading with Iran. Of course, poor dears, their economies would be hurt! But India's economy is to be wrecked to prove that it is "friend"? Farid Zakaria knows that this is all a game, dangeous game that our vane, venomous, and greedy politicians play. Yet, he expects other countries to sacrifice their vital economic interests for that theater of the absurd? He can start by explaining to us what exactly has Iran done - before we are asked to foam at the mouth for another splendid war.
While India and USA are the two largest democracies, India's foreign policy is much more non-aligned, with very little tendency to poke its nose in every other country's affairs.
Moreover, US lost its right to seek alignment from India on the very day when Indian city of Mumbai was bombed by pakistani terrorists killing over 150 people, and when India requested sanction on Pakistan, US ended up providing aid to that country.
Hussein, the person who claims Iran hasn't attacked any countries in 300 years,
Iran invaded a number of Arab island nations in the Persian Gulf (ie Qatar) in the 70s.
Beyond your lacking history lessons, your anti-Israel slant discredits you because your bias is too thick for you to be taken seriously. Stop abusing our freedoms, granted to you as someone living in America, to spread hate or go back to living in your rat infested sand pit of a house in the middle east. If you wallow there long enough you may even get a care package from the Western world to alleviate your suffering under tyranny and religious oppression.
Wow Fareed has a lot more visions of grandeur than the teapartiers combined. "People have friends nations have interests" Is fareed forgetting that US was the prime supplier of arms to Pakistan during the wars it had with India? US trained and facilitated the Jihadis during the 90's, always provided an excellent lip service(includes please maintain calm) when the Pakistanis were sending Jihadis to attack India. Israel has been an ally of India and rightdully so because that is the only country where the jews were not persecuted.
And we all know that CNN's anchor Wolf Blitzer previously worked for AIPAC.
Please keep your fake pro-India/pro-Israel propaganda to yourself.
Israel has no friends. It turned on Muslim Turkey the day Turkey said for it to be evenhanded and provide aid to its Palestinian colonial subjects.
Heck it spies against its best friend, the US (one of the most sophisticated spying network in the world). Tell me why spy against a nation to whom you owe your very existence to?
So keep your dream of India and Israel alliance to just that. Israel sees India needing help with Pakistan, so it pretends to befriend it (and the short-sighted Hindu nationalist BJP) while in an instant turning on it and using its American channel to pressure India for not ending its trade with its ancient friend, Iran.
Israel my friend can not be trusted, period.
On Semptember 5, 2012, US secretary of defense, Leon Panetta, told Israel Lobby (AIPAC) that US will maintain Israel’s “military superiority” over Islamic Iran and its other regional adversaries (Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Syria).
“This is an ironclad pledge which says that the United States will provide whatever support is necessary so that Israel can maintain military superiority over any state or coalition of states, as well as non-state actors,” said Panetta to the Israel-Firsters growd.
Next day, the Zionist regime woke-up to one of its worst dreams. Its largest South Asian ally, India’s defense minister A.K. Antony announced that Israeli Military Industries (IMI) along with other five foreign and local military firms were banned for bidding on Indian military contracts for the next ten year.
http://rehmat1.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/india-blacklists-israeli-military-industries/
Its like I tell you guys, if you quote your references, then people cannot call you big, fat, islamic liars.
Okay?
You meant delusions of the grandeur.
"... that's the only country the Jews are not persecuted"??? this is absurd and irresponsible statement. You are saying the Jews are persecuted everywhere except India. Stupid thinking.
If I remember my U.S. History, it was George Washington who first advised us that nations have interests, not friends. It was great advice then, and even more so now.
Hussein, India and Israel have both vested interest in survival. Trust is not ESSENTIAL here. Pakistanis would love to do the same to India what Arabs think of doing to Israel. Jihadis use India as a testing ground of their attacks and India and Israel can use this oppurtunity to turn the tides on the Jihadis, mutual interest served well what do you say.
Elvis-Its absurd--wrong again Elvis it's history (not viewable on Fox news) http://clarionjournal.typepad.com/clarion_journal_of_spirit/2007/07/the-jews-of-ind.html
And this is why I keep coming back, you muslim fanatics are so funny.
Absolutely brainless.
Thank Allah.
hehehe...
Mr. Zakaria,
If USA become friend of both Pakistan and India. Then why can't India become friend of USA & Iran?
LOL ! Well put. The author is simplistic to the point of being absurd.
moreover USA ignored the pakistani form of terrorism for decades and once supported taliban , all these utterly against india, which is most peaceful nation in the world. But USA remained friend with both India & Pak (& Taliban unofficially). During those period i had never heard Mr Zakaria or WSJ or NYT ...etc writing or saying thing against US...So Mr Farid now you have no business to comment. Moreover India doesn't need to learn foreign policy from USA ..the most hypocratic nation in the world. A full book can be written on their super duper one sided foreign policy.
bulls eye
LOL!! Very nicely summed up the answer to zackaria in one line
Excellent retort!
The best response to Fareed's article
2 words: Israel lobby.
Kudos Mr Patel, well done, your comment on Mr Zakaria is well thought of.
regards
Too good!!
Very valid, straight question
However, I would like to say few things as a peace lover from India. INDIA was freed up from British by GANDHI and learned to be a peaceful, well tolerated country. Moreover, what did Lincoln told? "The best way of winning enemy is by making friend ship with him"!!!
So, People who think that they are intellectuals, may realize the value of "friend ship" and respect the nations which always try to live peacefully rather trying to politicize for their own interest!
@Vimal This is the best response!! Your argument is far more compelling than Mr. Zakaria's analysis.
@vimal Are you saying that India has the right to repeat a mistake that US did? It can avoid the same mistake that US did. I agree with Zakaria on the issue of Maldives coup. India could have shown some courage when islamic fundamentalist took over Maldives. It is good that India doesn't want to interfere like US with its neighbors, but keeping mum when the neighbors house is burning is definitely not a good strategy.
true! and given millions each year to pakistan! who knows where that money really goes!
Excellent point. Think about it.
Good connect Vimal. Keep it up!!
Well said. Excellent point mate.
Mr. Zakaria, come on show some spine and answer this! Not to mention, Pakistan has openly indulged in acts of terrorism in India and USA still views it as its 'friend'. Iran has yet to commit any act of aggression on the US soil (not that I'd want it to). Why then, is Indian friendship with Iran so 'evil' in comparison?
Yes, Yes, Yes.
India and the U.S. are two differant countries with two different agendas, If we dident befriend Pakistan also they might have felt backed into a corner, do you know what happens when u back a animal in a corner? imagine that animal had nuclear weapons. This is why we do not want any other countries to get nukes, if they do we almost have too befriend them we already have one rouge nation with nukes(N.Korea) we cannot allow any more and nations with nuke cannot be allowed to go rouge.
Pakistan is no-one's friend: All the US does is pay Dane-geld to the military thugs actually in charge, and they in turn were supposed to allow supplies to Afghanistan. It is not in the Paks' best interest to see the Afghan war end as the Dane-geld would then end, as well. So, they simultaneously shelter both the Taliban and Al Qaeda, stringing-out that war just as long as possible. War for personal profit: So much for Muslim unity.
Precious few would shed a tear if India turned the place into a parking lot.
Great point, Mr Zakria I hope you can pay heed to this point
Patel.. you should take over zakaria GPS. Maybe a Patel GPS?
Good one.
perfect !! well said
Well said Vimal. Why can't India be friends with both of them.
Absolutely right
Mr. Zakaria please reply to this.
@rmk you think US made a mistake, do you know whether Washington agrees? When President Obama visited India, he was asked by a student why is the US still supporting Pakistan and he said India has the biggest stake in a peaceful Pakistan; true. So how is the US helping? By supporting & funding their govt. which is anti-Indian ?!! And what does the US always do when they have a problem with another nation? At least we don't bomb a country with nuclear devices and kill civilians.
Pakistan is a creation of the british.. I still support the original Gandhian's principle where he asked for one India.
Any land east of the Indus River belong to Indian culture and influence.
Any land west of the Indius river belongs to Persian culture of influence.
Pakistan is an artificial combination that is difficult to sustain and costs too much to maintain.
The Pakistan Punjabis and Sindhis would gladly join India if allowed free choice.
They were coereced by the islamic cult and the arab influence to stay Pakis.
India can not influence the world affairs unless it has UN seat with a Veto power.
Until then it will be treated like a tiger without teeth. If taiwan (before China) was allowed veto power, but not India.
India does what makes sense to India. They need oil; they purchase Iranian oil. Just because we intensely dislike the Iranian government does not mean India has to.
So does it mean that india should start interfering in other countries?
India is doing whatever is in its best interest. Moreover, there is several centuries old friendship with Iran (Formerly Persia). There are several Persians who are are top notch businessmen, contributing their might towards India's development and progress. So, being there's nothing wrong by having friendly ties with a country who is in the proximity. Yes, India needs to take firm stance sometimes on its policy. Indian diplomacy works well for the most part, but I would like to have more diplomats joining the league. When India can produce so many techies in a short time, I wonder why it cannot produce able diplomats. May be the well established techies should seriously consider changing their careers and serve as diplomats.
Allah the magnificent gives you permission to go to another country and lie and cheat in order to ensure that you convert as many of the infidels as possible.
Nobody else can do that, only the followers of allah the magnificent.
Sure India can pursue her own interest. Then India should stay out of all world organizations (aka world stability and trade benefits). You can't be a good world class citizen but continue to ignore international treaties or agreements.
We all want to think well of India but the truth is they stand for on one – not even their own people – letting them live and die in poverty and filth. They need to grow up and enter the 21st century. Their people are good – but their system is broken and corrupt. If they had clothes and food, they would riot in the streets like Syria.
If you think India is so wrong, why use a modified name from a leader? Get your own name first. Have you been to India? Have you ever seen what it does for their citizens? Dont try and speak for what you dont know about.
I just got back from 3 weeks in India and disagree with some of your assertions.
Mr Zakari was born in Bombay spent time there and than came to US. So before being ignorant about someones origin do your homework. There are a few Muslims in India I know about.
And of course, in your country, there are no poor, homeless people.
Everyone is rich.
???????????????
You are nothing but a bigot, there is not a nation on this earth wehre there is no poverty or filth, problem is that the
filth has filled your mind. Get some education
I could not concur more ! not to your comments but your name "Mohatma GanDoNT
I could not concur more ! not to your comments but your name.
Please get your facts right. Moreover Indians rioting in streets like Syrians is your speculation. What is your hypothesis based upon? Foreign policy is a diversion away from facing domestic issues for many countries around the world. India has several domestic issues that the citizens, media and policy makers focus on more than a foreign policy.
The last I checked, there is nothing diplomatic about India and Indians. That is the reason the dishonest make a great living there and the honest never retire in foreign countries and end up there. There is no home for honest Indians. Hence, we become Americans. Now, from an American perspective, why would India develop foreign relations with Iran? How is it that they can even shake hands with an enemy of the USA? Because they are pro-Russian. That is the only reason it is the Switzerland for drug-peddlers from the middle east. Cocainistan or Hashistan should be its name. Indians never pass up a chance in massacaring me. So, I have to say this. They are rude, obnoxious and possibly plotting the demise of the USA. The last I heard, they did not like Americans. Hence, I say, to the USA, treat them as an enemy or at least with precaution. They have, with whatever influence they have, placed an Indonesian on our throne. It is for this muslim-based fidelity or polarity. They even got to get one of my sons to become a muslim in my absence. We were born hindus. You are right about them not caring about all the poor that are constantly multiplying. They do not channelize their funds properly. When my brother needed my help, I had my home's doors open to him in all freedom with every ounce of affection I could give him. When I had to live on the street in my car for one month, he (in India) was nowhere to be found. He buys his wife gold sets. Hence, I had to live on the street and seek charity from others when I was in a terrible financial position. That should tell you something about Indians. My brother and my father's brother and his family were totally Indian. They are not to be trusted. They will pay others to stab you in the back and chest instead of buying you a meal. The latest is that since I write these things against India sometimes, they have divorced Iranians floozies breaking and entering into my home and romping with local 'Americans' of Indian origin. I will not say that all Indians are bad. But most of them are inclined to betray. It is the snake in them. Hence, the Iranian inclination. These are a people who desecrated the graves of their own Generals when their Shah was displaced. Their people drove their princess so much up the wall that she finally committed suicide in her French hotel suite. They (the Iranians) cannot even make their own royalty feel special when someone else picks up the tab. That is the extent of their humanity. So, ask the great Gandhians what they are up to. I can understand pretentiousness when it comes to the safety of India – because they have two big enemies in the North. But, Iran?
Mr Zakaria, I always had great respect for you until, I saw this article. Being a neighbor of China, I don't or anyone should see any wrong in India's approach towards Iran and the country needed that as well. Surprising you didnt point out who supplied the atomic fuel to Iranians? Who supplied the technology to Iranians? How much Iran imports coming from the rest of the world (Other than India)? One should look into that rather criticizing India alone.
I think better stick to discuss how much China, US and other EU counterparts to oil and nuclear politics around the world.
LIAR!
@ S.V.P Yadav
Do you realize that your english is horrible and you need to first learn how to write correct english ..... ?
Why? I thought he made valid points. Don't be elitist please.
Elitist??
Stupid and bad grammar==stop already.
The first article by Zakaria that makes some sense. Except I wonder what is he hoping India to say – let's be friends with the mullahs?
Mr.Zakaria a muslim try to fool that he is moderate muslim. Where rthe hell he was when India liberarted Bangaladesh and
avoided a huge humaniotarian crisis. Did he know India took million banglasg Muslims and still most of them live in India.
WWhen Britisg seperared India and pakistan Muslims has an option to go to pakistan which is 99 % muslims but most muslimns decided to stay in India whgich is 98 % Hindus. What does that tells you. They trust the Hindus more than they trusted the pakistani muslims.
Mr.Zarakaria just show your true colors . Who you try to fool
Er, there are over 140 million muslims in India. they make up roughly 13% off the population.
Mandarchod Zakaria.
This is pathetic – either have the courage and the intelligence to counter his analysis or shut up! No call for abuses.
Zakaria, Bhadve.. teri to
People stop retorting Fareed, matter of fact is, scam-star congress party who is running the govt with entire collision circus, busy saving their a$$ from gigantic everyday new corruptions and minority appeasement (consider pleasing Muslims, and that is the only reason Fareed got Padma Bhushan from this govt else his contribution to India is none) , PM Monmohan hardly speaks and never heard of him ever acted. Corrupt media both electronic and print are dancing on swiss based black money to make headless chicken a Prime Minister of India. And we should be ashamed as Indian when Fareed need only a 4 lines to phrase out Indian foreign policy with none positive.
Dharmesh, I assume while writing this you are enjoying the vast amneties of the free market in India, good economy, well paid jobs, better infrastructure compared to 80's and before. Maybe you go back to 1992 and check who really opened up the economy, the reason why India is prospering so much, a certain soft spoken finance minister Mr. Manmohan Singh. No matter what your political beliefs are, have some respect for these great leaders, be it Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Mr Manmohan Singh. They both have done good enough for this country comapred what you and me can do in our lifetime. So having disagreement is perfectly valid, but you don't have to trash someone.
I would like to thank you so much for not bashing and polite response, this confirm we both are patriot @ core, now to the point, nobody in this world denied MMS was greatest finance minister but was under Narsimharao’s vision. Still I buy your point and believe that MMS was great FM. I was in Mumbai in 2000-2004 time period and I have seen the momentum carried by Vajpayeeji and then came scam-a-day congress in 2004, where are we today? Under filth of corruption, home minister is busy saving his a$$ off corruption, he is f’king home minister who supposed to protect entire India.I don’t not find any single positive for MMS for his entire period as PM. Rest is present. (Period)
If you are going to type in English, make an honest attempt to make it clear. You are perhaps better going in you native language and make us English speakers translate what you say.
OK, now that I have got that out of the way, The USA needs to start to move away from an International posture back to a domestic posture. This is what ASIA has done for years and years and it has openly improved their situations and lifestyles.
Countries of Asia have constantly taken advantage of western money coming their way and it is time to stop! The USA needs to tend to our needs and close off the negative ways of Asia and Europe. The USA has its friends and needs to continue that friendship, but the balance of power is so much different then ancient times. Economy is the new frontier, not war, so time to wind down armies and work on taking care of the people!
western money to India!!!! really
stfu you brown nose. bhosadika matherchod
Why was India supporting northern alliance? Because it was aligned with Soviets. Why is India meddling in another country's affairs when it does not share even a border. Another pathetic article by FZ.
IIndia alsways had and have positive support for Afghanistan and its people unlike Pakistan who since its creation has been digging grave for Afghanistan. Northern alnce. sought help from any direction including Russia to defend its people and country.... Brits created pakistan on purpose to keep a conflict alive in that part of the world!.. you want a peaceful world, wipe out Pakistan from the world Atlas!! not its people..
I completly agree with Mr Yadav, but Saying that india is a democratic country is just a joke now. This is not a time of Mahatma gandi or Jawahalal Nehru. Please dont mind but i can prove this that no country in this world is a democratic and i can show you hundreds of incidents happening in our India which are against democracy. This is just a word for these politicians. India has to have a good relationship with both Iran for Oil and with US for other economic deals. Other countries should not get worried about this.
Stand up Fareed? Like the US Congress stood up (and applauded the Israeli president) under pressure from AIPAC, aka Israel lobby? You can't fool anybody in India into believing Netanyahu and Israel's war. And thank god for that!
Someone has to explain Zacaria that it is in the interests of the entire world, including India, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. If Iranian leaders will be allowed to obtain nukes it will sooner rather than later result in a nuclear war in the Middle East and then neither Iran nor it's Arab counterparts will be able to produce oil.
Go back to the stupid people cave you came from. Your argument doesn't even make sense and at best it is annoying!
You should check your spelling darling before making such a bold statement about stupid people....
India has been a well established society long before folks in this country were living in caves. Maybe you need a history lesson about the ancient civilization before making racist statement.
Mary... Did you disagree with something I've said? If so WHAT WAS IT? Please realize that as long as you can not explain what you DISAGREED with it will mean that you've AGREED with every word I've said.
Do you have any idea about the Indus valley civilization or Harappa or mohenjo daro? Check about the facts before you open your filthy mouth.
Then go-back where you came from, why read it. On worst part responding to it.
In response to Mary on her comment – "Go back to the stupid people cave you came from. Your argument doesn't even make sense and at best it is annoying!"
Habibji, you do not seem able to recognize an intelligent.
You seem very ignorant.
You should sue the Iranian Education Department.
Actually..India is better off with Iran having nukes to counter Pakistan's claim as only muslim country with nukes. If anyone thinks Iran gives rats ars about Palestine or Israel...they are willing to eat their own bullsheet. It is a bunch of empty talk aimed at its arab neighbors. Iran is no match for Israel and will never be.
Calm down, calm down,...I SAID CALM DOWN!!!! DON'T YOU GUYS REALIZE THE CATASTROPHE A SINGLE NUKE WILL CAUSE TO OUR ONLY DEAR EARTH'S NATURE!!!!! DO YOU!!!!!!
Actually..India is better off with Iran having nukes to counter Pakistan's claim as only muslim country with nukes. If anyone thinks Iran gives rats ars about Palestine or Israel...they are willing to eat their own bullsheet. It is a bunch of empty talk aimed at its arab neighbors. Iran is no match for Israel and will never be.
I'm not sure what was your point about Iran being "no match" to Israel but Israel can not and will not tolerate a NUCLEAR Iran.
And no civilized nation should tolerate an Israeli nuke. They are the threat to the stability of the entire Middle East esp. with their cowboy, we don't the neighborhood and do as we please mentality.
Israel should first disarm its own nukes before telling Iran to not even get one in response.
Go India, keep your friendship strong with Iran!
Abdul, Israel is not promising to obliterate its neighbours.
Iran and its useless leadership has threatened Israel on many occasions.
Sunday March 26, 2012
Iran's Supreme Leader: West can't save Israel
Khameini tells Palestinian militant leader that Israel will be obliterated at the will of God.
Israel has more to fear from pakistani nukes than the Iranian nukes
1. Pakistan is a rogue nation a failed theocracy
2. supports and exports terrorism
3. provided Laden with safe harbor
4. Exported nuclear tech to terrorists
5. Chants death to American/Israel almost every day
6. Churns out Jihads faster than bunnies.
What would prevent Pakistan from giving nukes to terrorist to blow Israelis.
JK
What is the source of this information?
What makes you believe that. Very soon we will find nations building more powerful weapon system then current nuclear weapons. Fukushima is 1000 times more dangerous than Nagashaki bomb. Fear the nuclear reactor closer to your home than a make believe bomb far away... Which an vnever ever reach you.
I think Mr. Zakaria got it wrong, India needs to do what India needs for its own development and its own people. Iran and India go for the last four thousand years, both are anti Pakistan and Taliban, in that rough neighborhood, with China and Pakistan ganging up against India, China barely hiding its claws and teeth, it is for India to be friendly with Iran, so at least it can have its own hearth warm. If not then, whole India and its democracy will come to a screeching halt and no good will come out of it. So every one ned to save their own skin.
Dear Mr. Zakaria,
There is no reason for India to back US in every stance. Think of it like this. Who is India worst enemy and who arms them? Put yourself in India's shoes. If US is fine arming Pakistan, it has no business in telling India what to do.
As regards other countries, India has a policy of non-interference. When couple decades back when there was an attack on Maldives by mercenaries, India was the one that helped. India also helped Sri Lanka by sending in the peace keeping force in the 80's. But India has learned that the best policy for India is non-interference and non-alignment. Hope US learns the same. It would not have been in the economic mess its in.
He didn't say in EVERY stance. He even argues in defense of India not agreeing with America in all things (different geopolitical environment, for instance).
But otherwise, I agree; in the early days of the U.S., the founding fathers, and later the Republican Party, supported non-interference as much as possible. Just too complicated and risky. Be we lost our way in this. The Industrial Complex has too much sway over our government.
"India also helped Sri Lanka by sending in the peace keeping force in the 80's" – "help" is hardly the word to use – especially after India trained the terrorists they were "helping" keep peace with.
rlj,
I guess you are referring to the Tamil minority and its armed representative LTTE (among other factions) as the "terrorists". Yes, they resorted to violence but it was to stand up against the 2nd class citizenship to which they were relegated. Even today, Srilanka's stated position is that the Tamil population (even those who were born in Srilanka) is not equal to the Sinhalese. Tell me, wouldn't you fight for equal rights in your own motherland? And if you did, should you be labeled a terrorist? Non-violence and dialogues do not work in every case.
Think about it... if the US of A isolated itself from the start, do you think there will be more peace or stability on earth? The Russians will continue expanding its already huge territory, other nations grabbing other nations. India with its 1 billion plus population has a lot of problems to solve by itself so let foreign diplomacy their last agenda. LET THE USA DO THE JOB OF KEEPING PEACE ON EARTH.
Ashu, US will never learn anything from India's non interference policy..Reason !! US in among those who proudly announce the nunber of WARS it had !!! on other side, India( which is moe human), feels proud of its NOT having any WARS ! and yes , I agree Zakaria fareed ( whatever !!) should go , bag for an answer to US for its being SOOO friendly with PAK when its friends had been shouting out loud that Paki.. is NO ONES friend ..Wake up US and go sleep Zakaria( WHATEVER !!!)
Mr Zakaria, History tells its all when it comes to US foreign policy. Their foreign policy only revolves around their perceived interests and long term benefits, nothing to do with world peace. This is all evident from what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. America sold the weapons to both Iraq and the mujahideens in Afghanistan and they are the ones ending up waging war against both the countries. All US cares about is its big corporations and their big fat profits.
But the mujaheddin never attacked the US, al-Qaeda and its terror-network did (the Afghans mujaheddin allowed them to fight alongside them) did based on injustice to their fellow Muslim brethren in Palestine thanks to Israel, which you didn't mention the US also arms.
What is India's exact policy they vote for US backed resolution in Geneva for Sri Lankan war crimes and there biggest trading partner in relate to oil is Iran, likewise 92% of oil imported to Sri Lanka is from Iran and if the sanctions against Iran is active from April only Sri Lanka will face major energy crisis not India as they trade in Indian rupees or barter is this correct. While India voted on this motion as they need to stay in power to get the Karunanidis support, where LTTE killed RAjiv Gandhi and 200 odd Indian soldiers in Sri lanka.??
While US use there veto power against war crimes committed by Israel and why only Sri lanka have to suffer for eradicating terrorism.?????????
Not forget the atrocities committed by the LTTE sucide bombers killing all the innocent people do they have to suffer??
What is the perspective of so called powerful nation trying to manupalet small countries do they not have a say on this
India supported the US (and 40 other countries) sponsored Human Rights resolution @ UN against Sri Lanka is the right thing to do. India need to stand up as a regional leader before it can pursue it dreams to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. US, India, UK, Canada and other countries helped Sri Lanka annihilate Tamil militants because of the promise from the Sri Lankan regime. After three years, due to the broken promise, they, rightfully though, brought the resolution in Geneva last week.
Rightfulness of an action is not determined by the history of the person. Rightfulness is nature of the action and nature of the person. When LTTE did wrong, India intervened and also had huge losses due to the intervention. That doesnt mean that the enemy of LTTE is always right. Govt of Srilanka was wrong in killing innocent people along with Militants. India stood up for that. It shows the maturity of the country to side with the rightfulness and not with a group of person.. Grow up and think..
Really, should India have approved every single mess that US has created at every step throughout the past 50 years in the Middle East in order to be called a responsible international player ? US's main policy is containment of growing regional power and keeping them backward so that they wouldn't challenge its power. Its policy also centers around playing one regional power against another. India is too clever to fall for this. It pursues its own interests. Its all about cost-benefit analysis for India and India alone.
Here is an example:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/17/opinion/17iht-edjoost_ed3_.html
If history is a teacher, India is no one's friend. Double dealing and betrayal is their DNA. Hellooooo???? Americnas need to rescind all nuclear transfer of technology agreements with India. Multinationals need to stop FDI forthwith.
Can you please enlighten us about the part of history that you are referring to?
The same history where India refused to be destroyes and kicked some pakistani butt over Kashmir
Paki?
Who else would make a ignorant comment with no supporting fact? One Pakistani idiot for sure. But there are only few of these ppl in pakistan who fail to see they were together living peacefully as one country (India) not so long ago. Where does this animosity towards each other come from? Is Gandhi were to be blamed for all this, I don't know.
I am not a Paki. India kills civilians at Indo Bangla borders more than anywhere in the world. India also encourages her civilians to do the same at the borders and in the Bay of Bengal. Yes, India saved us from the Pakis in 1971, now, we are paying with our lives. India also diverted all 54 rivers coming from India. If we have a friend like India, who needs an enemy?
I am sure Zakaria of 1953 would have asked India to support the CIA coup against democratically elected government of Mossadeq in Iran for India to be called a responsible international player and Zakaria of 1946 would have asked Gandi not to seek independence for India from British colonialists. It is said that Gandi was asked by a British journalist what he thinks about Western civilization. He answered "it will be a good idea !"
James... Blaming the US for the Iranian coup of 1953 is similar to blaming Germany for the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia. Do you think that it is reasonable or justifiable for Russia to hate or threaten Germany TODAY because in 1917 Germany helped the Bolsheviks to overturn the Russian government? YES OR NO???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat
Fareed, Please rethink.There is only one nation on earth that can bring Iran and Israel to table. That is India. Iran has all the rights to have weapons as India and israel has. No amount words can be put for the dishonest/strategic oriented western pressure to change Iran's course. India understands that absolutely clear. Till is ticking for asian countries to move away from dollar/euro/petro dominated western rule gradually.
Keep your American dream intact forsometime..
Best Wishes
I think Mr Zikaria is over simplistic in his argument. The whole world does not see this world with coloured American lenses. India has its own interests and she is not a weak country to follow everything that US dictates. I am a Pakistani, and i think India is doing right in safeguarding her own interests.
It's not the question of having the "right" to build nukes. It's the question of taking responsibility for the consequences. If my neighbor was running around yelling that he is going to kill me and all my family members I would not agree with his friends saying that he (the neighbor) "has the right" to load his gun.
"If my neighbor was running around yelling that he is going to kill me and all my family members I would not agree with his friends saying that he (the neighbor) "has the right" to load his gun."
Thinker do you happen to be a fox news viewer by any chance? You have no clue to history of US involvement in the region do you? Before the pakistanis were crying " KIll the Americans they were calling for kill the Indians for the glorious return to the sultanates" US was supporting Pakistanis at that point and always solicited calm on the part of India. as far as the part to load the guns US supplies Pakistanis with awacs during the India-pak war and F-16's right before they build the atom bombs. So puhleasssee get off that moral high horse US has never done the right thing but corporate things.
These is your exaggerated and misinterpreted words. So your logic is baseless too.
JK... You may safely assume that I know way more than you will ever dream of. When this is clarified you may recall that Iranian leaders repeatedly threatened to erase Israel from the map while Iran is trying to acquire nuclear weapons to make true of these threats. Therefore, it is completely understandable that the Israelis disagree with those claiming that Iran "has the right" to get nukes.
India has it's own internal problems to worry about. The simple truth is it needs the Iranian oil to continue to function, or be able to get the oil from elsewhere. India'a ability to maintain friendships with all is based on it's ability to be independent and not choose one side over the other.
Well said. Right on the money. Indian exceptionalism?? To each his own... independent thinking of India. Never kowtows to US/western interests.
HA ha ha ha....
They are happy molly...
Mr. Zakaria, relax. American foreign policy doesn't have to be India's. India was also against Iraq war, but America's foreign policy differed from India's opinion. USA has been India's friend only for the last decade, Iran has been for almost 4000 years, there was trade between India and Iran for 4 millenia, I know you can write your opinions but you don't have to judge India. Iran is also going through some political changes, but it should come through the Iranian people not through India. And about the coup in maldives, Indian army did help the goverment of Maldives against the coup, when they recieved request for help from their government. May be you should do some preliminary background research. And about the Srilanka, India sent its armies for peace keeping mission. Many Indian soldiers died for Sri Lanka's civil war. Again, do some background research, dont put the audiances in dark, I think you should stand up and publish truth not the propaganda. Peace!!
I agree except for the part regarding Maldives. In the recent coup, Idndia did not do much and recognized the new regime. But so did the US.
oh!, is this the fourth coup, I remember India was involved in the third one, 1st and 2nd ones were not successful though.... thank you.
As for the issue of Bangladesh, India had stepped in to stop the genocide while the US sent its seventh fleet to intervene and support Pakistan's cause.
Point taken Fareed, stumbled upon this post as i missed the weekly show which i watch in India. Slight clarification on the 'suitability' of Iranian crude, our refineris attuned to Iranian crude, would take about 6 months to 'modify'. In the oil market, China certainly is the elephant in the room with more demand, dollars and actually accounts for 22% of Iranian oil exports, India accounts for 13%.
On Myanmar, India has a border with it, and the case for cesuring Myanmar would have fetched only one result – pushing Myanmar into China's lap. The path facilitated by Myanmar into India in such a scenario is scary, and an analyst as you, i am sure, will agree that the baby steps to democracy that Myanmar is taking, would have been pushed substantially back. Ang Su Kyi does not hold a grudge against us either.
Maldives and Sri Lanka will remain close to India, after all India's 'meek' approach ensures we do not have exploitative relationships with either.
On the freeriding approach, perhaps you are informed better. Indian citizens seem to miss the accrual of any benefits of such joyrides. Petrol in India is more expensive than in the US for one.
Of the 1.2 billion 'resouce', we seem to export the cream to particularly the US, your good self being a prime example! Your brother 'cloning' it too!
To James – Gandhi – the Father of our Nation may have made the repartee, i rejoin with another anecdote which i read in Vijay Merchant's – a famous sportsman – book/column some time back. On coming face to face with the great man, Merchant requested an autograph for his sister, Gandhi leafed through the pages of the autograph notebook and signed below the English cricket team, when queried by Merchant, he replied, his fight was for India's freedom and he had no dislike for the English.
Of the 1.2 billion 'resouce', we seem to export the cream to particularly the US, your good self being a prime example! ----LOL
Zakaria...Shut the F up. You are a puppet whose purpose is the fool the muslim world in capturing viewership
...The world knows that CNN is a state sponsored media of USA.
Remember, the world is NO FOOL
Get back in your trailer and clean your guns some more.
okay abdul, time to get back to that Taxi
One more thing Mr. Zakaria, you said we didn't get involved in Bangladesh crisis. Where do you live, I hope you are in this world, I mean mentally ofcourse. Bangladesh was liberated from west pakistan which is current pakistan by India. In that war India toppled pakistan military tri services, and liberated bangladesh. It also made sure that 92,000 prisoners of war (soldiers of pakistan) were to be released securely without any violence. Mind you, these were pakistan military. We made sure bangla was an independent democracy as well as we followed geneva convention's rules. I think you should read history.
So you are saying US befriended India so that US and India would have the same friends and enemies? Who are you to tell another nation who its friends and enemies should be? Who are you to decide that everything US does is right? What has US's policy of agression got it? More violence, more aggression. A nation's policy to not interfere in another nation's issues is not acceptable to you? Ok so lets look at your record. How come you decided to bomb the hell out of Libya and Iraq in the name of freedom and havent done anything with Sirya? Let me also ask you this why have you not engaged overtly with Iran all these years? How come Iran takes such a belligerent stance against the great protector of liberty and freedom – the US but is very friendly with another democracy.. the largest one mind you – India? And that too while knowing fully well that India is a friend of Israel. And what has US done all these years? Supported Pakistan against India. Despite decades of protests by India. What happened? Pakistan harbored Bin Laden. So Mr. Zakaria .. stop lecturing others and look at yourselves first. Maybe we need more of the approach of peaceful coexistence and understanding than the attacking approach of the US? Maybe if you did adopt that approach Iran would not ever need to think of nuclear weapons? Maybe if US befriended Iran and offerred to protect it, it wouldnt need to worry about arming itself with deadly weapons?
India needs to tackle bigger problems like population of Muslims. In a decade, entire India is going to be Muslim Nation. Did you ever go to Old Delhi, Old Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Lucknow, Faizabad, Agra? If you went, would not talk about all these BS. First tackle these then talk of those. o.k, In a decade, India is going to be Muslim nation. Hindus are already Migrating....to USA, England, Germany, Australia, Singapore etc, True, Go to NJ., NY, LA, Chicago, you realize it is truth...America needs some strictures on Immigration too....lot of cheating.
What in the hell are you talking about? It will merely take two days to wipe out the muslim population and send you all of to Pakistan, where you all actually belong. Remember gujrat incident in 2002, wiped out 61,000 muslims in matter of hours.
You're such a good racist. Shame on you.
Luckily, India is not like Pakistan, and extremists do not have the power to silence moderates. I think Rahul's comment is inappropriate, racist, hurtful to anyone with emotions, and should be flagged by the publisher. (I am Indian-Hindu).
Nice Comment Rahul, you don't seem to care much about your Founding father's vision of India nor do you see your own fellow citizens as equals. You actually proudly announce the Atrocities against your Minorities & actually think that A Indian Muslim doesn't belong in India?
Fact: India has almost as much Muslims as the Population of Pakistan
Fact: Indian Muslims are Patriotic Indians, that's the reason they stayed in India and didn't migrate to Pakistan
Fact: Murdering INNOCENT people isn't the sign of a MATURE Democracy
FACT: YOU ARE A TERRORIST and a Coward –
My Two Cents (No cash Value)
Oh and the Majority of Indians and Pakistanis are smart enough to know that they aren't the Enemy of each other
I would also like to add, that as a Pakistani I applaud the Indian Government for standing up for ITS OWN needs before any other nation. The Pakistani Government is also catching on that it needs to put it's nation First before that of Interests of anyone else.
India is friends with Israel, Iran, US, and is starting to move towards Peace with Pakistan, China because it's in the best interest of INDIA to keep its citizens Fed, Safe, Warm in Winter, etc etc.
The only people who will have to live with the decisions India is making, are Indians. Just as the US doesn't give a care about Right and Wrong and supports who ever is in their best interest, India is doing the same.
Keep up the Good work INDIA! and someday you will achieve a peaceful and strong nation
Man, they produced an entire movie just to educate you idiots. Rahul, go watch Dharm...Peace comes after love. Violence come after hatred. Our nations Father didnt teach hatred..they taught you to love and forgive.
I agree with most of Zakaria's opinions except that India seems to be applying the old axiom – when it comes to foreign policy nations do not have permanent friends but just permanent interests. I think India should at least reduce its oil imports as required under the new sanctions or use its influence with Iran to tell them to give up its nuclear weapons program ......
India has reduced oil imports from Iran to 10%.
Not to worry everyone. Sarah Palin, otherwise known as the Queen of Diplomacy, is on her way to Bangladesh at this very moment. Ever aware of their starving population, she is taking them a large platter of s'mores.
don't agree. being friends is better than creating enemies....9/11 WTC was a result of friction not frienship.
US has its own agenda and India has its own priorities; they they both are democracies and friends with each other. USA has been the biggest supporter of Pakistan, a country run by goons and creator of Terrorists (and first computer VIRUS). Pakistani terrorists have killed hundreds in India and USA has always turned a blind eye, so much so that after 911 it was India saying that OBL is in Pakistan and ultimately the whole world found that to be true. Hence, USA decides its own course when it comes to INDIA's interest, so INDIA also has the free-hand to decide its own course
Well said!
Spot on, brother!
India had provided even the exact location of Osama but smart americans thought India did so for itself and didn't take the intelligence seriously!
US and India both have their own multi-faceted relations with their ally countries, oriented to their interest. In this particular case, India has no good option other than continued trade relationship with Iran, while US has not provided any other option to India to meet its domestic demand.
Though, I do agree with Mr MULLAH ZACKARIA that Indian diplomacy has been almost passive on many other regional issues. I think issues such as – Tamil genocide in Srilanka, China-Pakistan relations, Maldives coup, China-Seychelles relations etc.
While primarily Indian side needs to be concerned about such issues, I also think that US should also have expressed interest in these issues. As they have long term implications because of expanding Chinese dominance over South Asia.
India doesn't have too much of liking for those countries who cannot distinguish between friend and foe.
Zakaria has to make a point guys, otherwise he can't do his job as a commentator. Thats why he has to make stupid generalizations like he did above. Cut him some slack.
I don't quite agree with you Mr Zakaria isn't it commendable for India not to be pushed around by bigger powers like America. It has it's own foreign policy and own interests and needs so whats wrong in pursuing them? just because the America happens to bully the world into not buying Iranian oil why should India be pushed into one corner?
The India I knew when I used to be an Indian citizen before 1994, used to be one that sent out its intelligent Indian citizens to make a fortune outside India and forced them to come back. They got our money one way or the other. Meanwhile some American citizen was displaced from the workforce and never made that fortune. How can you even say, that India does not need the permission of the USA in who it befriends? Will they seek the permission of the Saudi or Kuwaiti government then? They accept billions of dollars from these countries. How can you choose who you are friends with when you live off of the charity of other countries? I live on the charity of my ex-husband. I live a pretty sedentary solitary life.
Those who are truly BIG do not try to push others. They try to persuade with valid reason and honesty. How can respected America do so while all these years it armed and aided a particular nieghbour of India knowing fully well that it is using them to destabilize India
Fareed, I appreciate most of your programs, especially the one on health insurance. But this one, nope, I don't agree with you. You probably are being told to write or say this way. As one of the guys pointed out you need to do further research, how India is evolving and such. It believes in the core democracy, where people stand by it. It sure wants to be a global player not by enmity but by befriending your own (India’s) enemy. Traces of Mahatma's principles are still visible. So, before judging India, I suggest you to do a thorough research on India.
Why does India so strongly believes in dialogue and persuasion. Why does India tries to be friendly with even those who consider it their enemy. Look at its smaller nieghbours. They openly threaten India with 'consequences'. Pathetic!
I think India is doing the right thing by taking a low profile in their foreign policy. If it were to do what the US has done in the Middle East then India would be surrounded by many more enemies than it could afford. Maybe the US should learn more from India. That might help us stay away from constant warfare.
Good point, Maybe we should learn from India how to follow our own interest, not against it because it paid by AIPAC and another lobbies. When I read the article this is what I thought it written per requests.
Why any country cannot be friend to all the countries simultaneously? Zakaria's logic stems from the assumption that if you want to be or remain a friend of US and then by default America’s enemy should be your enemy otherwise you are disqualified. This has nothing to do with economic interests or oil or anything else. American simplistic perspective is to divide the world in to US and its allies (actually “puppets” who have to blindly follow US in everything) and the rest of the world. That also does not go by country but by its leaders. Iran was ally when ruled by Shah. Iraq was ally when ruled by the same Sadam Hussein provided Iraq fought war with Iran. South Africa was an ally when ruled by whites. Mr. Zakaria understands this all well but as he is paid by CNN, he does not represent his independent perspective but that of his editor, paymasters, political circle, CIA etc. His job depends on it. His choice of topic, tone of topic and arguments clearly reflects this puppetry.
And meanwhile US carries on its trade with Iran while pontificating to others not to. Of course, it is called humanitarian trade like exporting millions of tons of wheat. Otherwise poor Iranians will starve. It does not matter if Indians starve having to pay much higher price for its oil getting it from retarded countries like Saudi Arabia. Some friend this US.
Fareed has left the building.
wow!!! people, people, people, Don't hate, appreciate, Just becuse the U.S of A cannot get along with any other country that does not mean that other countries cannot try to have a good relationship with their neighbours. All of this he say she say is purely self motivated, or should i say corporate greed motivated. There has always been friends and foes in this world, the challenge is recognizing who is a friend and who is a FOE, i think india has the idea of who is who- chug on india chug on.
Well said, everyone does not have to toe the 'with us or against us' line. Wish India could be friends with Pakistan too, though.
Absolutely! Well said! As for my being called a hypocrite, I'm not. Apparently, the only way that all the facts can come to the table is a public forum like this. You don't know what goes on here, I don't know what goes on there but I tell you this..how else are we to learn if not from each other. I'm so saddened that there is so much hatred on the internet...how are we supposed to learn from each other? how do we expect our countries to ever be in accord if we cannot even speak to each other plainly, respectfully and openly. My statement was not malicious and I would have been blessed if someone would have stepped up to ask me about it, instead of railing at me. I have to listen to others talk about my country and believe me, we are not definable by a handful of our citizens, as your country is not either. Prashant, I share your sentiment and I pray that others will as well.
India wants to befriend Pakistan as well. Even after the mumbai bombings, India has not striked pakistan or retaliated since it knows Pakistani government in the first place is incapable of handling the Terrorist issues around there, killing its own people and could not even stop internal riots. It is not in the interest of pakistani common man who wants to live a peaceful life, does all this terrorism against india occur or neither the Pakistan government is entirely involved in all this.
I see the western world does not want the Asian countries to be in peace so that they can capitalize on their own interest and perceive their motivations, do disrupt their geo political alliance. This is ridiculous and this has to change!
Hi Prashant/Indian,
I would LOVE to see Pak/India come together. Again, if you read between the lines that is already happening. I think Pak has seen what Uncle Sam will do: drones, endless bullying, lecturing etc. Meanwhile India is signing a free trade pact with Pak. The crazies in Pak may try to create some trouble here, but net net I think this would be a wonderful thing.
I am very glad than Indians and Pakistanis are learning to think for themselves!
Fareed,
India's priorities are very different from USAs. Most of all India needs to maintain internal stability otherwise in 20 years there will be no India. So how do we do that?
1. Make sure energy prices stay relatively cheap. Doing the rupee deal with Iran was brilliant IMO. I remember Condi offered the nuclear plant deal some years ago to prevent the gas pipeline from Iran. But as usual with everything from US it came with a lot of strings attached. And really, who wants to have a nuclear plant in their neighborhood?
2. Don't interfere with our neighbors. You know our people like to riot at the drop of a hat. Plus you remember the lousy time we had in SL when we were invited there in the late 80s.
3. Ensure that the fruits of globalization are spread to almost everyone in the country. Today a big chunk of the country is controlled by Maoists. If you read between the lines these are people that have been screwed over by the system. Its a bigger menace than Islamic terrorism etc.
All of these mean that its critical for India to chill and play the "soft power" game. Not do cowboy diplomacy a la Bush's USA. You mentioned Myanmar. You didn't mention however that they are moving ever closer to India. Likewise Vietnam as well.
My $0.02 is that in 20 years time, India-China-Pakistan-Iran will be trading together as one single bloc. And that is the Western world's biggest nightmare. Irrelevance.
well said my friend
Your 2 cents = 1 Mil, like it.
hear hear – let us hope for a better future like u said...
Why shouldn't India make their decisions based on their own interests. Americans have always kept their own interest while deciding on their foreign policy. They are the biggest donors to Pakistan (most Taliban extremists are trained here), no WMD's but still went to war with Iraq when most of the countries opposed it, supported Taliban in 80's, provided arms to militant regime across Africa during cold war, supports communist government in china (they need to borrow money from them), cut off funding to UNESCO just coz it accepted Palestine as a member, and opposes everything that's palestine.
Dear Mr.Zakaria,
Who supported India when India was battling terrorism and telling the world that Pakistan is the center of terrorist activities in the region and in most of the regions? US and the so called West did not do anything and even supported Pakistan as if they are the victims because of India. It is not until Pakistani supported Al-Quaeda and Taliban destroyed the twin towers did the US and the West knew that now its their backyards that are being attacked and its citizens are killed. This made them criticize Pakistan and came running to support India. Now they are having issues with Iran and they want to cut all the ties with Iran which is an ally of India for may decades. If India is wrong to support Iran now then US and the west are wrong for the past 3 decades supporting Pakistan.
India is in the neighborhood of failed states, that support terrorists or harbors terrorists whatever the reasons may be Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma. India is not a developed country to go and wage wars with everyone who doesn't listen to it. So it has to act diplomatically to satisfy its needs of national security. It needs to protect its citizens from internal and external elements before trying to save the world. Hence India is passive in its foreign policy. If India has diplomacy like that of US and China then India would have been a better at extracting so much from US for its foreign policy towards India.
US foreign policy is towards freedom when it is advantageous to them which can be seen from its history. They talk capitalism and free market when it had advantages its the same with their 'freedom' talk.
I have seen a few idiot like you . You are indian born you country is india . Do not forget it .
As an Indian American, all I can say is that no country can truly understand or appreciate reqs/motivations of another... Agree to disagree, live and let live. No country (except USA, Russia maybe) can hope to be the 1st to actually use a nuke, and survive later!
I have seen a few idiots like you . You are indian born your country is india . Do not forget it .
No problem in this world can be resolved with military force or by pointing guns to peoples heads. I am not saying America is a rogue nation nor any muslim countryis neither. We are all humans and basically the same inside. Threat of force either by warfare or by imposing ones religious beliefs on another wont work. So an active foreign policy of a nation doesnt necessarily need to be militaristic in stance. India's foreign policy also stems from the fact that there are millions and millions of very decent, good intentioned and honest Indian muslims living side by side along with HIndus and other religions. We all share one country and every one of us irrespective of the religion is an equal Indian citizen. So India should distance itself from these oil wars, religious wars etc and only act militarily if someone tries to threaten India or seize Indian territory. So there is nothing wrong in friendship with everyone. What is the point in enmity with anyone? Let each country keep its house in order. If some dictator is slaying his own citizens then the people of that country themselves will wake up. Policing the world should not be any nations problems. Ultimately I believe strongly in the saying. "IN PEACH LIES THE GREATEST STRENGTH". Hopefully we are one day in my lifetime live peacefully and co-exist as one humanity rather than fight over religion, tribes, ethnicity and land.
Sorry I meant the saying to be "IN PEACE LIES THE GREATEST STRENGTH"
Lets get real Z, pursuing ones foreign policy is the same as pushing ones agenda on someone. India is pushing its agenda with Iran and Uncle Obama and Aunty Merkel do not like it one bit, in this instance you get what you wished for so I suggest you be very careful of what you wish for, Indians are now intensely patriotic and will side with the govt if it pursues an anti western policy to secure its energy needs with Iran, democracy in one country can work either for or against another democracy, but it is still democracy at work. At this moment, Indian democracy is working against western nations so they will no doubt paint it with an anti democratic brush to its own people. While I agree that India needs to up the ante with its foreign office, I am with India keeping a low profile in its own developmental process. The West following its democratic principles have in the past gone to war to prevent wars, and the drums are beating hard for a new one right now, so thank you very much, we in the west can learn from India's policy of non interference and take care to set our house in order first.
Sarah Palin especially enjoys vacationing in India because the open sewers and the stench of raw sh!t reminds her of the trailer park she grew up in.
I respect and enjoyed this report, Mr Zakaria but I find it disconcerting that an Empire such as India also thinks nothing of taking American jobs and letting us keep patrolling the Middle East for them, ie Pakistan. I know this from experience. I cannot ignore that fact. There are so many beautiful beliefs in India and none of them have to do with money. That is the lesson I would love for them to bring to the world. When people are friends with other friends in turmoil (US, Iran and Israel) they should bring them to the table and try to get them to work together, instead of being an opportunist. Thank you for your show. I enjoy it and have learned a lot.
you twit, India never told America to patrol the middle east, India certainly didnt come to america and take jobs, those came all by themselves. you really should think of what you say. And while you are at it, please see the percentage of jobs that India supposedly takes, you might find it quite surprising.
twit? that's intelligent. apparently you are not working in the American corporate system. do your homework, sir. As for the patrolling..I do not see anyone else stepping up, do you? What if Kashmir falls? What then? thank you for your "respectful" reply instead of asking me why I feel that way.
Oh please dont talk about Pakistan and US patrolling in the deserts. We have been fighting Pakistan even when US was supporting Pakistani terrorist with arms. Now after 9/11 and its citizens got killed, US realized their mistake and patrolling the deserts for the safety of its citizens not for the sake of India or of the world.
India would collapse overnite without US direct support and indirect jobs and credits... India wants to be independent – then do it without my dam tax dollars which we can use here!
Maria. you seem to be really frustrated. time for ur angel dust!
When US wanted India to open their markets so that they can sell their product for cheap then why didn't the US think of Indian jobs will be lost because of your goods. Its the same principal. India has a huge amount of Human resource which it can provide at cheaper rates than US can provide. So now the Free Market stratergy is biting America's A** they are stealing jobs. What a hypocrite?
Sorry to dissappoint u buddy, India was patroling its borders way before afghan war, not US. Infact US was always pak's buddy, right from the formation of pak and India. US didnot protect us nor it does now. Indians protect India. Thank you for the other comment though. About being selfish, US changes its policy according to their interests, becuase their country comes first for them, its the same with India. Peace!!
Yes I said twit and I stand by it, stepping up what ? why does America need to step up anything ? thats you logic for everything, no one else is doing it so America will. There is a reason why its called mind your own business. For your information there are 38 countries navies operating in the middle east, out of which maybe 5 are middle eastern...what the hell does that tell you ? And yes, India has a few navy frigates there too keeping a watchful eye on Indian merchant vessels.
To Vonplook, Maria ortage Luis, and others complaining about Indians taking American jobs. American companies cut costs by moving offshore. The US should take these 'outsourced' jobs away from India. As an Indian, I know that US and EU jobs have helped India a lot over the past 15 – 20 years. But, by making kids work aimlessly, we Indians are also losing a future. Not many students want to study science and technology; they want a job that pays well, even if it means back office jobs working all night. In the long run, India will be better off without these jobs. And the Americans without jobs will realize that everything will become expensive (yes, working americans will cost more than Indians and it will reflect on your expenses). So, please, cut all out sourcing and let Indians work for their improvement.
Mr Zakaria could not be faulted here as always.In his book The Wretched of the Earth, Franntz Fannon said inter alia:prosterity will not forgive those who in the face of tyranny, decided to keep quiet. India should rise above petty narrow and medieval interest and be counted amongst civilized nations.
India should stand on the right side of history.The population is there,the economy is there, so is the tecknology, apply them to influence world opinion.
Time will decide who is right or wrong, but imposing ur opinion on a nation is a little farfetched. When required we did stand up against tyrrany, Zackaria failed to mention Bangladesh liberation, peace keeping mission in Srilanka, help to maldives govt. in the time of coup. The author says we didnt get involve, infact we got involved in everone of them except myanmar crisis. kindly, read some back ground before u judge. peace!!
the population might be there and maybe some of the technology – but the economy ? puuhlease, 40%+ of indians are below the poverty line – india is a "developing" nation unlike USA which is a developed nation – still a long way to go...
"India does have a tryst with destiny." Maybe India does not want to be the "big power" in Asia Zakaria is pushing them to do. When FDR and Reagan used this expression ("rendezvous with destiny" ) they were rallying Americans to fight the Depression ("economic royalists") and Communism. Maybe India has a different agenda and borrowing slogans from different eras doesn't change that.
He's actually quoting India's first Prime Minister Nehru who used that phrase in a speech shortly after India became independent of British occupation.
Dont forget Z that we in the west ignored democratic India to pursue a theocratic Pakistan, is that the kind of flawed foreign policy you want India to pursue ? because it is, this time round, it is India pursuing a theocratic state which is openly anti American/ EU. I dont understand your point in all of this, the wall st journal should look at our history of flawed foreign policy and then comment, you should admit that this instance you got it completely wrong mate and you rarely do.
I wish we could all come together, since we are riding the same planet. Any nuclear attack would affect us all. We could all learn from each other's strengths and faults. Perhaps, one day.
On the contrary, NUKES promote peace, Iran will not dare attack Israel because it is assured of destruction. MAD worked then, it works now.
I guess It is not just enough to fight multiple wars with a few countries, but it is better and wise to know how to engage a few hundred countries.
Shame on India refusing to follow US foreign policy! They should invade Pakistan, and probably Sri Lanka too. Sri Lanka is a socialistic democracy. Can't have socialists running around and obtaining medical care,(everyone) educaion (97% literacy and a required 9th grade education for all children, girls and boys) and the fastest growing economy in the world. And definitely they should invade Myanmar, because they can and we don't like Myanmar. They can go in and tear the country apart, commit atrocities and kill civilians and then walk away and say our job is done, just like we do! Zakaria, you are totally off base. Since when did minding everyone else's business make you a responsible country. At the time we invaded Afghanistan I suggested once we got Bin Laden we should build a 7-11 on every corner and install free video games, then build movie theaters and McDonald's Burger Kings, all free. Much cheaper than bombs and soldiers and the Taliban wouldn't have been able to recruit any young people. The same for Iraq. They still would have hated us, but we could sleep guilt free at night and pur young people who died in the 'war' would be home where they belong.
My. Zakaria, your writing in both CNN and Time are of the absolute lowest quality, both in tone and in content. You have conveniently chosen to overlook USA's aid to Pakistan for fighting terrorism, which is adversely impacting India. USA is also silent on the encroachment of China and Pakistan on Indian territory. USA created war in Iraq, Afghanistan and now is looking towards Israel. While USA works in her own best interests, so shall India, and every other country.
Your logic that every country must be the ally of USA and USA alone, while continuing to make enemies of one-another, amounts to you mocking the intelligence of the reader, particularly the Indian reader.
Dear Fareed, no one wants a nuclear iran. so lets assume that India stops buying Iranian oil. do you think china and russia would ever do that too? i think not! So india loses the oil and also pushes iran into china's arms. Now, what about Afghanistan? Lets not kid ourselves into believing that the present Afghan setup can survive the Pakistan(ISI)-taliban alliance once US troops are out. India needs Iran to protect its economic and strategic interests and its afghan allies. How else do you expect India to have access Afghanistan and also to a port – through Pakistan? and last, why hold India to the high moral standards when the whole world has selective moral and ethical standards – support democracy in libya (i totally support it btw!) but turn a blind eye to the movement in Bahrain for instance. I would say India has seen and learnt world politics from the very best – US and europe. India's primary concern in the immediate neighbourhood is China and you can't counter china by holding a high moral ground and antagonizing Burma and Bangladesh(they actually helped India control north east rebels), SriLanka and Iran and putting them firmly on China's (& Pakistan's)side. Come to think of it, would the US like such a scenario?
Friend to all and foe to none! That‘s what i call a Jack of All Trades,but a Master of None!
Zakaria is a paki. Therefore, he is always going to write against India.
People of india are a confused lot. Citizens of India are still among the highest number who crave to Immigrate to the mighty USA. Come torrential rain or scortching heat wave they will form at least 1/4 mile long lines in front of all US Consulates (especially Warden Road Mumbai) begging to enter the mighty USA. [Tu langoti wala nala sudhra hai na sudhrega]
Sounds like my katua bhai hs opened his mouth again. Sounds like you are in a bad mood. Chutiye, aaj kya terre beep (USA) ke gand nehi chat paye?
Why USA company is doing business in India??
Hey CNN,
Please fired this stupid, nonsense Zakaria.
Lets bomb them both....:-)
Zakaria, stop sucking on USA's balls. Dont forget where you came from, you jack@$$.
Mr. Zakaria, please let USA's problem remian theirs. There is no need to drag India into their troubled relationship with Iran. To get India to be an ally, USA will need to do a lot more than asking for India's support. For a starter, USA can stop flowing those billions of dollars to pakistan's coffer and load them with weapon and planes that would eventually be used against India. India, as far as its relation with Iran is concerned, is doiing great keeping a low profile and maintaining a friendly relation with that country. After all USA has not come up with any suggestion for an alternate source of oil for India. It is good that India, on her part, has looked after its own inyteerest and did what she thinks is best. While farred Zakaria, may play it to the US audience being am employee of CNN, I am sorry to point out that he has not made much sense at all in this article.
The basis for Indian foreign policy is not to intervene in the internal affairs of any other nation until unless asked for by that nation. This goes true with either Bangladesh or IPKF in Srilanka or its peace keeping forces in Africa. India a symbol and an emblem of peace. Remember India is only such country in the world, in the last 5000 years of its history Never Ever attacked or pursued a war against any other country on its own either in the region or around the world. Israel is a good friend of India, YES there are historic reasons why it's a close ally of India. Jews are given safe heavens in India at a time when they are attacked all around world. When you mention 1.2 billion population of this country, have you forgot to mention the resource hungry it takes to sustain this nation and to compete with a neighbor like china for the same resources in the region. India's oil pool deficit takes more than 1/3 rd of its multi-billion dollar budget ever year. India will obviously pursue a foreign policy that is in its own interest as any other country in the world. It can be mild or strong but it will be for its interests and sustainability.
A comment to say India is free-riders on the international system who exploit the stability and security is an awful comment. India has been and will be part of the security and stability of the world including many U.N. General Assembly resolution (like Syria and others) it allied for good with US.
OK, now Zakaria wants India to implement U.S. foreign policy including U.S Iran oil embargo, which is patently illegal under International Law (check your facts, Zakaria, we are the outlaw state on this issue!). Pray tell, Zakaria, what does India get for acting against their clear and present national interest from the U.S. in return for breaking International Law to please Washington. Continuation of supplying their REAL ally, the failed terrorist state of Pakistan, with billions of taxpayer dollars and fleet of nuclear capable F-16 jets?
Now, Indians are supposed to be smart. Why don't they see this bargain of the century that Zakaria does?
PeterD: Zakaria, please shut up.
Mr. Zakaraia's FULL THROATED defence of ISLAMIC IRAN's Nuclear program, BITTER CRITICISM of the US & the West for what he calls UNREASONABLE SANCTIONS ON IRAN, and now criticism of his former homeland India .................DOES ANYBODY MAKES SENSE OF ALL THIS?
The one & only purpose of the all these by the FERVENTLY PRO-ISLAMIC, RABIDLY ANTI-SEMITE, DEEPLY ANTI-WESTERN Mr. Zakarai seems to be try to SCUTTLE THE EXCLNT RELATIONS India has with US, West, and Israel on the one hand, while VOCIFEROUSLY supporting Iran on the other !!!
As far as Iran's persue of nuclear capability is concerned, USA has no international standing to force them to act otherwise. USA has very little leverage as far as Iran is concerned and Iran undersatnds it thoroughtly and acts accordingly. Also, Iran has the backing of China and Russia which USA can do nothing about. If USA could bomb Iran, they would have done that a long ago – much before they went to war against Iraq (claiming false evidence of WMD). USA needs to dismatle and destroy each and every nuclear weapon it has before it can lecture other countries to do the same. All this hue and cry about nuclear weapons not only makes Iran more determined, it makes the non nuclear countries rethink their options too.
Well said, DinoRaidu. I completely agree!
India has its own interests, if it does not coincide with that of US that is US problem, not India's. Now US and other western nations are acting hostile to Iran to get oil from Arab nations, there is no World interest in it. Its time for US to stop bullying nations. So US protects its interests and India will protect its own. India already has hostile nations Pakistan and China on its long border, it cannot afford to have more. Will US come to protect India if any one of these nations attack it? If yes then it can ask India a favor. Sadly its NO.
Fareed, love your show, and some things you say have merit. India has not had a strong dynamic leader for decades. However, where was the US during the Bangladesh war?Where was the US during taliban attacks in Kashmir, or when Pakistan was developing nuclear weapons as the "Islamic bomb"? You cannot over simplify actions of nations.
... sounds like a voice of reason. I think like a lot of other journalists (incl. the Indian ones) FZ has a few other compulsions too.... hence this article. Somehow it lacks proper substance too and not match the gile and logic that FZ usually displays on screen when he talks about other issues on CNN.
If USA become friend of both Pakistan and India. Then why can't India become friend of USA & Iran?
Mr. Fareed,
You are zealous of India it shows that after all you are Muslim. But more Muslim live in India than Pakistan.
@ Fareed Zakaria. Good grief Fareed, if the Indians want to do the right thing here, let them! India has every right to do business with Iran if it wants to. The right-wing thugs in Washington have absolutely no right to interfere in this!!!
GP, I don't think FZ's article is a reflection of the thoughts and opinions of the "right-wing thugs". I believe it is the US Govts posture that he is articulating however little sense he is making. Had he been a follower of the right-wing thugs he would have been an employee of the Fox News (or one of its affiliates) rather than CNN.
Why did you not write this article when Bush invaded Iraq ignoring the UN ?
India is not like the USA which always interfere in the internal matters of foreign countries.. yes Indian foreign policy is passive but this is the foreign policy of India which means being passive.
Deoks, The Indus civilization is indeed one of the worlds oldest, but that does not buy India anything. India is still a country lacking in the ability to compete with much smaller countries. I work with many contemporaries from India who are very bright, but India is still largely uneducated, backwards in many ways and splintered by thousands of regional languages and dialects. I hope to see India step up to the international plate someday and bring a positive influence to the world. At this time however, it appears India is very self-centered with little care or concern for others outside her borders unless there is a direct benefit to India.
Buddy plz read history, when I say history I mean from 1950s, u'll know what we did. peace!!
Everybody who favors FZ argument should understand India's non-alignment foreign policy since it's independence (decided by its first PM). Also India has 14-20% muslims population which is factor of electing a government. It may prevent any step against Iran due to US. No politician (Indian or American) can ignore that. If US has such population, it will take similar steps. In its rights, India will take step which suits most.
jb, I agree that India still has to go a long way in regards to education and providing basic essential amenities to it's population. But you can't take away the fact about it's ancient civilization history. The point I was trying to make was regarding the comment on going back to cave. Regarding foreign policy, every country including US is self-centered. Do you really think the foreign policy in US is completely based on what's good for the world? Currently India needs to make sure it directs all it's resources in upliftment of it's own rather than meddling in another country's affairs.
As a former Indian like Mr. Zakaria, I have followed Mr.Zakaria's writings very closely and commented in his columns very freqeuntlly.
The one thing every INDIA and every AMERICAN must know is that the MUCH PAMPERED MR.ZAKARIA IS NO FRIEND OF EITHER OF THEM!
He (like his father Mr. Rafiq Zakaria) is a bitter critic of India (& the West) in its handling of the KASHMIR PROBLEM, and STRONGLY BELIEVES that MUSLIMS ARE ILL TREATED by both of the GREATEST SECULAR DEMOCRACIES in the world – US & India.
And, if anyone thinks that his criticism of the Pakistani govt, or Arab regimes as support for the US or west, you are clearly mistaken, b'coz he is always on the side of his MUSLIM UMMAH (the people ) and he will never dilute that fervor at any time!
Avery popular (International) Media hype these days - which the people of China and India really believe in LOVE and enjoy is : "China and India will soon overtake USA economically etc." What a wishful thinking. Both China and India have existed for at least 4000+ years. In those 1000's of years all they did is that one built a massive WALL (Toatally useless) and the other built the TAJ MAHAL (Equally Useless – and that too built by the Muslims).... YES GIVE THE BS ABOUT "CONCEPT OF ZERO" - INDIA DO WHAT YOU DO BEST - WORSHIP AMITABH BACCHAN AND HIS SPARE PARTS!! INDIA(-) HINDI CINEMA= ZERO; INDIA (+) HINDI CINEMA= BIGGER ZERO!
You are absolutely right. It is a day dream of fanciful financial investors trying to sell long term mortgages as investment opportunities to these countries and shafting their investors in the west. Things will blow up soon in china and India and if will be worse than in America. Day is not far off where America will reign supreme forever maybe next 50000 years establishing colonies such as the ones by Britain. All the Americans will have servants across the world doing their bidding for green pieces of paper that can be printed at will. Then the only learning and knowledge one needs to have is statistics about NBA, NFL and baseball. Then Americans can focus on conquering at planet x58575 in Alpha centrai
Mr. Zakaria should know from personal experience that India's politics are so unimaginative simply because its people and therefore its politicians have no imagination, either.
The middle class feel no responsibility to one another or to their poorer countrymen. They have their cars, food, movies, and electronics, so life is good, isn't it?
Their poorer countrymen, meanwhile, feel no responsibility to educate themselves so that they can achieve middle-class status. Instead, they want endless hand-outs, and they'll vote for whatever crook promises them the world.
The politicians create coalitions of the needy and greedy, playing them off one another while siphoning development money into their own pockets.
If Indians ever learn what patriotism really means, the world will fall silent in respect. But I'm not holding my breath.
By far the most perceptive and meaningful. All the other comments are too lazy.
Is it any different in any other democracy, say US?
Yes. Even in the US. At least once upon a time, the elites built schools, hospitals, libraries, etc. for the betterment of the common man. The poor by and large improved their lives by working harder, not by demanding more. Whether any of that is still true may be debated.
Today, the northern Europeans have a deal between their rich and poor: The rich pay heavy taxes, and the poor work hard. As a result, the difference between rich and poor is not so great.
India needs forward-thinking elites who are not just out to enrich themselves, but the future of their countrymen. They need to provide social mobility - a ladder if you will, based on education and health care. The poor, in return, must use that ladder to climb up and build a better India for their children.
Do not settle for saying that at least India is no worse than other countries. First, it's not true. Second, it's lazy.
I have to admit that you are spot on for the most part. Although I think there are a few in India who have some clue of what is happening and what needs to be done. Otherwise India would be looking for US handouts just like some other countries.
I agree with you - India should not become a beggar client to the US, like some other nations I could mention. That would be a disaster for both India and the US. It would start a cold war between the US and India on one side, and China and Pakistan on the other. No thanks.
If that's what Mr. Zakaria wants, then he should get himself a drink and calm down.
Nevertheless, I still agree with Mr. Zakaria is right that India needs a more coherent foreign policy if it's to shape its own destiny.
unfortunate as it may be, ur comments are spot on about the situation....
I am very disappointed in Fareed for developing this utterly dumb and stupid article. India will trade for her own interest, just like the USA. So why the double standard?
And I truly never believed America to be an ally of India (But then again, everyone knows America just likes to BS about the importance of all thier "Allies"; as long as they meet the requirements of the big american corparations)...because it was Russia who provided weapons and equipment to arm herself againt Pakistan.
In Conclusions, don't expect India to "cut-off" relations with Iran. I sugges US minds thier own business (oh but wait, if they did. They would'nt be in the mess they are in now...)
If USA can be friends with both India & Pakistan, what is the harm if India safeguards its OIL supply from Iran? Does agreeing with US policies take priority over feeding 1.2 billion people?
expected better analysis from zakaria !!
Why?
I agree since he was brought up in india and he should be understanding world is not black or white and has nuances...Having grown up in a complicated country like india where even states have their own self interests should have educated him..
I agree since he was brought up in india and he should be understanding world is not black or white and has nuances...Having grown up in a complicated country like india where even states have their own self interests and fight with each other often.
Well, I have heard a lot of positives about you Mr Fareed Zakaria and it was the only reason I started following you on Twitter. But with every passing tweet of yours about your GPS notes my respect for you declined and the frequency with which I read your notes nose dived. Because I find you very superficially informed about almost everything thats happening in the world. Whenever I read your notes, I realized how come you are what you are and this note goes on to prove my assumption very strongly. You not only lack depth and insight but also believe in ONE NATION philosophy. Your views are all about promoting US interests. Sorry, you are not the voice of the global public, but just of the US public at most. I am unfollowing you on Twitter, right away.
He certainly is not the voice of global public. He gets paid by the CNN to say what he says.
"Rahul
What in the hell are you talking about? It will merely take two days to wipe out the muslim population and send you all of to Pakistan, where you all actually belong. Remember gujrat incident in 2002, wiped out 61,000 muslims in matter of hours"
True face of indians.
Rahul, is nothing but a big racist, I hope some day all this racists are wiped out from every religion on this planet, then there will peace forever!!! If they are not wiped out i am sure there next destination is definately Hell..and there is no rest for them in peace...Modi's state government killed Muslims using his power illegally and gave RATs like you some power to kill innocent womens and childrens, Time will come when this Rats will not have any one to protect or hide.
Nak U R a typical Indian. Indians have been saying for over a decade "Dawood Ibrahim ko hum nahin chhorenge". Main kahta hoon "Areey .... Pahle pakdo to sahee!!!
One of the reasons that the American People like the Pakistani people more than the People (Hindus) of India is that they, unlike the hindus, do not LECTURE Americans about righteousness and IT technology etc. Also the vast majority of Pakistanis are much better looking – handsomer etc. (SHOULD Looks matter? NO. But DOES Look matter? You bet!) than the Hindus - the vast majority of who are KAALAA KAALAA NAATAA NAATAA!!
Well Said Fareed. You should write killing un-armed civilians by BSF between Bangladesh-India border. Keep up the good work.
India loves to play both sides while its politicans keep its poor in shanties. One day expect Syria style riots against corruption. India takes everyone's money but give nothing back but disease. Send all the Indians home to fix their country instead of complaining and being two-faced. No more US aide to India unless they behave. Right on Zakaria!
Yeah our shanties are a thousand times better than the shanties you have in Mexico, coming from you come I am surprised you can even write in English..HaHa
Why isn't the rest of the world say "YES SIR" to every American wish, legit or not?
CNN is never a trustworthy new reporter, but allowing a half-literate like Zakaria to put out half-baked ideas about how the other nations should behave is just too much. It is insult to readers' intelligence.
Zakaria got out of his mind, he dont know the reality, America cant bully India of what to do, India is already a super power and it knows what to do!!!
India has been a civilized nation for centuries not war mongers like americans, India like peace and friendship with everyone, it policy is live and let live!!!!!
If India likes peace and friendship why hasn't there justice been served for her Muslim minorities victims of Gujarat genocide, whose killers are still free, including one Narendra Modi, who is banned from traveling to the US based specifically on the genocide charge?
India can be great, but not when cries for justice goes unanswered by its most vulnerable of citizens.
Zahid, you are right, Indian justice system is very week and it has always been injustice to the minorities from the time the country has been established, I was talking about the foreign policy of India, Modi,advani and other criminals are still roaming free, thanks to the Indian week judiciary.
Fareed: You were born an Indian, however, that does not make you a full-blown American. Of course, now you have begun to think and act like an American. You cannot change the course of history. As much as American have a right to protect their strategic and vested interests, India has a mind of its own, not dictated by the Americans, we can choose our friends.
Love the smell of fuming indians. So easily offended. This time by their own kind hahahahah.
Fareed Zakaria you are obviously ignorant of history.
Have you heard of the 1971 Indo-Pak war? The military dictator General Yahya Khan lost the elections to Sheikh Mujibur Rehman of East Pkistan. Instead of peacefully handing over power to an elected civilian he commenced genocide. The Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the leading European nations and also met with President Nixon seeking their intervention but to no avail. Finally India was forced to engage Pakistan and the two week war ended in liberation and freedom for the East Pakistanis from West Pakistan. Do you remember the US governments response during this time? President Nixon dispatched the Seventh Fleet to intimidate India – the world's largest democracy – in support of a military dictatorship committing genocide against its own people. What do you say to that? Furthermore, this irrational foreign policy decision by the US Government forced India to enter into a 20 year alliance with the Soviets. This also gave the Soviets the opportunity to take revenge for the humiliation they suffered during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis when their ships were forced to back off. In the same way the Seventh Fleet was forced to back off from the India Ocean because the Soviets sent their fleet to defend India.
As far as Myanmar is concerned, what do you expect? Mouthing words of support are meaningless unless you are willing to back it up with action. That is what the US govt. has done. We have watched democracy being strangled and innocent people killed but we have not intervened militarily only because we have nothing to gain financially. However, our government does not have any qualms trading with China despite it being one of the worst human rights violators. How about suggesting to our government to 'do the right thing' and apply economic and military sanctions against China? But you won't think of that will you?
Are you aware that in trying to contain the expansion of Soviet influence and communism, American foreign policy basically invested in and supported military dictatorships throughput the world? For our own financial benefit we still support so-called royal families in the Middle-East because we are dependent upon them for oil even though they suppress their own people?
Please answer the following questions: Who supported the Pakistani military dictatorship since its independence in1947?
Who set up and supported the Shah of Iran against the will of his own people?
Who set up and supported and armed Saddam Hussien to fight against the Iranians once the Shah was deposed?
Who armed and supported Osama Bin Laden and the Mujahideen?
Which country supplies arms all around the world just for 'a few dollars'?
In fact the US governments foreign policy has been flawed since the beginning. Please note that I always say US Government. Our governments foreign policy – as is the case with every government – has been based on one thing alone: where does their economic and political interest lie. Why blame India or any other country then for looking out for themselves? Why do we not stop buying oil from the Middle East, after all, we do know that they are not our well-wishers!
Furthermore, there is nothing like friendship in politics, only similar interests. India has always believed in the policy of non-alignment and non-interference. It is, perhaps, one of the few countries in the world that has never initiated a military action against another country. Rather than preaching to others we would be better served if our foreign policy was based not on economic but on moral principles. Yes, I know that many will laugh at that line. But just as an individual must perfect himself morally so must a nation. Only then will we gain the respect of other nations and have have true and real influence!
One last comment, please educate yourself before writing columns. There are too many people in the US who are ignorant of history and politics and all that your words will do is to fan the flames of ignorance.
Get a job you loser and quit writing these dissertations. Nobody reads them
only wish you could read and understand!!
You just read it, you stupid
Hahahaha.. you just pwned Atul the keyboard monkey. Little buddy Atul please don't drag your obsession with pakistan in every debate. We know your mom left your dad for a paki but please dont waste our time with your issues...
Awesome reply Atul. Keep it up. Your knowledge of history is commendable!
dude do not encourage dorkiness.. they chop off the right hand for this offense in saudi. Atul is pronounced as A-TOOL.. which is totally is.
Good writing..
@Atul, Agree with much of what you have to say.
And, i have to say i found your writing more fascinating than Fareed's.
The US has a bad image in the international community for supporting military dictatorships. But, honestly do you think that only the US has vested interests in oil, and hence the subjugation of the middleeast and Iran, Iraq etc?
Think Again! There are many players, but America is good at taking the blame.
Good write up Atul. Keep it up. Just try to put across your thoughts in a little more concise fashion to make it more interesting and readable.
I am impressed with your passionate comment defending India and highlighting American hypocrisy. I do hope you know that Indian policy of non-alliance and non-interference is more like lazy and I don't care. It is the same story worldwide, it isn't special because it is Indian. From my experience, the people all over the world are the same, but each one chooses to support his own. Having a thick skin helps. Like no matter what you say to fools, they will remain fools. I find being a fool suits everybody. So do your thing, but dumb down a little for the others.
Mr. Fareed received the highest recognition in Journalism from Govt. of India in 2010. And now he turns around and publishes crap that is not VALID and does not put the whole situation in context. Shame on India for recognizing his journalism. He surely does not deserve it.
So a person can not articulate his views when it contradicts his native country? What part of freedom of speech do you practice or believe in from where you come from?
The problem is whether most Indian like it or not India views the world still through the lens of containing Pakistan and vice versa. She still has the hangover from the leftover dosage of anti-colonialism, non-aligned movement etc., a soviet era mindset in a multipolar world. And on top of that by nature Indian's are not bold enough or trained enough to make out of the box thinking especially in diplomatic front. May be that is an Asian thing, not being an overtly aggressive, which are culturally very different from the west or US as they see world.
"India views the world still through the lens of containing Pakistan "..
I think India definitely should consider containing Pakistan as the threat from across the border is still very real and happening. It is not that long ago that Indian parliament was attacked and the ISI backed terrorists created havoc in Mumbai. So what do you expect – India should turn a blind eye to Pakistan and go about its business following the path of doom suggested by USA? After all USA is a country that does not make a move or say a thing unless it profits her own interest and it is not often that India and US interests move along the same path, especially in the international diplomatic field. Though you are right about India not being able to think out of the box in dealing with international issues, at the end of the day she has to etch out her own course and not the one done by USA for India. After all India is in a very unique position internationally and has not overtly leaned towards any one side. It is a path difficult to follow, but so far India has done well in walking the tightrope in spite of all her limitations and backwardness.
Those of you who are not aware immediately after accepting the HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR (Padma Bushan) from the Indian govt. Mr. Fareed Zakaria CONDEMNED India’s war on PAK supported Islamic Radicals in Indian Kashmir TERMING it MARTIAL RULE, and blurting out that the much pampered Indian Muslims were ill treated by secular, democratic India….much like his Islamic scholar, highly educated BUT polygamist Indian father Mr.Rafiq Zakaria.
Pandering to such blatant Islamist demands, deplorably successive Indian govts had until recently been shedding tears for the "so-called" Palestinians much against the wishes of the 1 billion Hindu, and non-Muslim Indians who sympathize with the oppressed Jews, even as India forgot the plight of ts own hundreds of thousands of ETHNICALLY CLEANSED Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) languishing in squalid refugee camps in their own country.
Mr. Zakaria is trying to replicate the same in this GREATEST OF NATIONS AMERICA too, by trying to influence the Obama administration into supporting the Iranians and the Palestinians against our REAL ALLY ISRAEL, while deliberately playing down AMERICA's OWN SECURITY!!!!
Well articulated!
India is a developing country. It should by no means be required to interfere in the world's issue. They are doing what the U.S. should be focusing on; bringing their country up to speed before they break or hurt any of their relations with other countries. The U.S. should look at solving their own issues before getting involved globally. If they had done this, the economy wouldn't be where it is today. India is protecting its own, something the US has failed to do for decades now.
And why should India be required to take sides? This isn't a high school relationship where people pick sides.
If US wants to screw Iran, like it has been saying for the last 10 years, why doesnt it go and do it on its own? It didnt need the world's persmission to bomb Afghanistan and Iraq, so whats the need for world consensus now? Same goes for North Korea, or all the countries they have called axis of evil.
I think you are giving India way too much credit on thinking that is is actually ABLE to formulate a real foreign policy. It is a weak nation made of corrupt politicians who exploit their own people. It is a pseudo-democratic nation which is incapable of defending itself against terrorism, let alone having an actual power to have an effective foreign policy.
well said. we are busy keeping the country together and managing the billion internal problems....
Really?
Poor Journalism.
Poor story-telling too. Throughout the article, you first justify the reasons behind India's move....and then, don't even give enough reasoning for why it is not the right thing.
Live and let live, Inda has managed to sustain herself for so long, with its policy of non-interference, non-violence and peaceful means perhaps other nations can learn a lesson or two from her.
"Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31
Do your best and leave the rest to the Lord, Let him take charge as he is the creator.
The reason India is not interferring in other countries is because its armed forces are busy in killing minorities especially Sikhs. US should ask India why it killed over 100,000 Sikhs since 1980's.
Now on March 31 India will hang Balwant Singh Rajoana.
Over 1,000 Sikhs are in Indian jails for over 20 years. their crime
Are you out of your mind. Sikhs enjoy more freedom and rights in India than even in Europe. Trying living in pakistan for a change. And Sikh terrorists have killed more civilians than Indian government will ever hang. Remember Kanishka... wake up Mr.
Sir,
you sounds angry. In 1984 Sikhs massacre over 10,000 Sikhs were killed all over India.
could you let me know how many people were found guilty for crime.
One Kishori Lal whom Supreme Court found guilty of murdering 3 people in delhi, but he has been paradon.
i will wait for reply
Aman Singh. Have some shame. India;s Prime Minister who's photo is also in the article IS A SIKH!! Don't disgrace yourself and your "paidayish" by posting such jilted views. If there's anyone angry, its YOU. And if you think India is that bad then why don't you try living in Pakistan, they will welcome you with open arms,I am sure.
i simply want to know about your stand on anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Over 10,000.
How many found guilty?
Has the mastermind behind the massacre behind bar.
Please increase my knowledge.
While you're at it Aman, and Concerned Citizen and SeriouslyZakaria,
How many people have ever been held responsible for the crimes of destroying Babri Masjid or the Gujarat massacre where over 2,000 Muslims were systematically identified by voter rolls and hacked to death? It is a great blight on India, but the killer and mastermind Modi is not only free, but may yet become the next Prime Minister of India. So much for a being a great nation whose vulnerable aren't even served justice..just intimidation by police and the state.
Zahid, please move to Pakistan, your home country. Muslims are a parasite in India and no country is responsible for protecting parasites.
Zahid, Most of the muslims in India and Pakistan are descendents of muslims who were forced to change their religion. Honestly – their religion and its views are punishments enough for them. I do not think any government can do worse to them than they do to themselves. Living in so much hate/intolerance and anger is life long punishment. If you can't see that, not your fault – you have been brainwashed by your belief. Some day when Islam pratices reason and logic as it used to do during its prime, things might change for you and those who suffer because of this primitive and barbaric belief system.
Aman – this is what you said in your post "The reason India is not interferring in other countries is because its armed forces are busy in killing minorities especially Sikhs."
The killings of civilian sikhs as part of 1984 riots was as painful to me as it was to any decent person in india – be it hindu or sikh. I am a hindu and consider sikhs to be an offshoot of hindu culture. I am very proud of many sikhs who fought against atrocious muslims rulers and against british rule. One of my most beloved uncle is a sikh. But that does not mean – Indian army is busy killing minorities. Indian army is among the most descent in the world and sikhs are part of that army.
Sikhs in 1984 were killed by criminals hired by Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar. Honestly, if you are that pained by it, you should research it. I do believe Bindarawale got what he deserved – he was a terrorist and hardly a Sikh like Guru Govind Singh. But I also know what congress did after Indira was assassinated was horrible.
I hope some day you learn from what Sikhs have done for their mother land and be proud of them just like I am. Best.
you forget 1984.when you think that jusitce will be served.
Sikhism is a different religion than Hinduism or Muslims.
Aman Singh:
I am totally with you on the anti-Sikh riots and hang my head in shame as an Indian.
But having said that, the ghastly riots were not as a result of common Hindus pitted against Sikhs, but the GOONS of the Cong (I) running amock. I do agree that many of them live in impunity even today only b'coz of lack of actionable evidence against them, even though every know their criminal role. Unfortunately that's the tragedy of a justice system like India's or even the US' where many known killers are roaming the streets only due lack of evidence.
Finally, every Indian recognizes that the valiant Sikhs are the most patriotic of all Indians (even more than us Hindus) given by their huge representation in the Indian armed services and also historically when the Sikh religion was formed as an off-shoot of Hinduism to fight marauding Muslims. So, it was the Pakistanis (in association with some extremist Sikhs settled in Canada, UK & Germany) who trained & brainwashed some Sikhs into taking a violent path. Also as is well known, some of the most ghastly crimes were committed by Pakistani Islamic radicals themselevs who were masquerading as Sikhs.
Anyways that's an unfortunate saga of India's history which has passed.
One would expect a little more from a journalist but those days are long gone. He would have joined FOX News but they do not like Muslims so he sings his songs on CNN. What a useless piece of article – a child can see through its phoniness.
Since when America became India's friend because they share same values. Are those values the same Americans share with Pakistan? Who provided arms to Taliban & Pakistan? America care's about its own needs and that's about it. When it starts to value "values", let's talk...
Indian culture respects all religions and all creeds – jews and muslims alike. It is sad that muslim religion is extremely intolerant and has caused lots of destruction. Indians probably trust Israel more than either Iran or Americans. Atleast Israel has a consistent view point and they know India will not do anything to harm them.
Hello Sir,
I have read ure article and have a couple of things to say
a. If India did not rise up as a "force of good" in the region when there was unrest in other neighbouring countries, I can only tell u one thing about it. Its called MINDING URE OWN DAMN BUSINESS. Unlike the " forces of good " that ure more accustomed to like the US, we do not invade other countries when they are sorting it out themselves and then do global policing without being asked and then make BINAMI oil companies in the invaded nations like ure once great president (Bu)ll (Sh)it did.
b. When u say "Another Democracy" , i kinda find it hard to figure out which is the first democracy u r referring to ?
Now stop wasting ppl's time on worthless topics. I can understand that when nothing is going ure way and seeing India playing quite smart in the whole global shakedown, it must be pretty hard for ppl like u to digest the fact that India is actually having it pretty easy. But the fact is , we are having it easy. It is not for nothing that we export some of the smartest brains in the world to countries like US. Its only coz the white man is dumb. And guess who is dumber ? The fool who supports the white man's foolish views. And that wud be U !
Only if the world realized that violence begets violence.... What you do to others will definitely come back to you in some shape or form.
Matthew 26:52 clearly states ...Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword."
This basic truth still is alive. We mistreat our fellow human beings, kill, invade, plunder and what is the net result? It comes back to you to haunt you, your family and your country. Your soul is lost, generations suffer.
We can take any country which had done these atrocities, closely look at their conditions now, is there peace, is there stability (military, economic). Let us not fight, let us not do evil for your children and children's children will observe and absorb these.
What the world needs now is peace and not war mongering. Revelation is being fulfilled. JESUS is the answer. He is an amazing GOD !
"But for the world's largest democracy, that's an unworthy mission. India does have a tryst with destiny – and it isn't to buy cheap oil from whomever and damn the consequences."
So Fareed will you give the same advice to USA vis a vis the Saudis?
have you considered the fact that more than 40% of Indian population is Muslim?
i think its more like 12% – 20%
Looks like Zakaria just received his green card...lol.
So US can side with India's staunch enemy Pakistan by supplying it billions of dollars in aid rolled with military hardware, which they know would eventually be used against India.
However it is just plain wrong for India to maintain normal relations with Iran because it gets it majority of oil from them?
Hypocrite much Mr Zakaria??
Get a grip. The aid is specifically like C-70 transport planes. The US stole Pakistan's money and failed to deliver it the F-16s it sought. If anything Pakistan is out gunned, out spent, out manned. It is India that is a threat to a smaller Pakistan than the other way around, though honestly I don't think India would attack Pakistan or vice versa. It would most likely be non-state actors like terrorist group emanating from Kashmir where India refuses to let the people hold a referendum on their self-determination.
Dear Mr. Mr. Fareed Zakaria Garu, you have sold your parent's country. But Many indians do NOT want to get involved in America or Israel games and selfish aspiration. We have burned enough by Israel and America. If we decide to select side, then you may be surprise who we slelect. So, Please focus on America Economic problems first.
Have a good day,
Gondi
Indians and Iranians are closely related without many conflicts. Indians and Pakistanis are closely related but with many conflicts. India, likes China, are working hard to pull its people out of poverty and have no interest in global conflicts. As long as India cannot challenge US's economic and military powers, India will be considered a potential ally. Like China, India has ambition to excel in science, technology, space, military, economy, ...; therefore, there is always a limited friendship between USA and India.
Please don't insult Iranians by comparing them with Indians. Stand on your own two legs.
India needs to take acrive and engaged roll in world politics, wheather its peace keeping, figthing, world affairs or just any other need, indian made HUGE mistakes of non-alligned movement membership, world powers cannot stay silent or non commital and abtain from vote so that it displeases any one.
This has been my BIG complain about india, we need to stand up, sometimes we may not be right , but we should be counted, abtaining or being on the sideline is always going to get you nowhere, there has been indicision on inidan political leaders for decades, stand up now and do the right things, sometimes you are not popular but thats ok.
I feel we are nation of followers not the leaders, hope INDIA and INDIANS get a message, Fareed is right, india standup
If you think you wake up today morning after 200 years, then yes, India's stand wont make sense. India has never been with any block/ group. Being the oldest country, the perspective is a bit different than what we see here in the US. My friend who visited India for 2 months in Jan/Feb, came back shocked.. Mind you, this guy is Asian but he went thru culture shock when he went to India. When you go there, for starters, they show a monument and date them to BC.. all we know here in the US and Europe are dating back 500 years at most. Being the old wise guys, they don't take sides that easily..Oh, you can write all you want saying they have the largest population in the world without basic facilities like toilets etc.. Remember our friendly Brits looted them and put them back by atleast 100 years . Their thought process is different and they are very very passive. Dont mistake the youth who are warm blooded..
Also, Iran has 3000 year old link with Indus Valley.
US befriends India but supports Pakistan, a state sponsor of terrorism with billions of dollars which are used to buy weapons to be used against India. U.S apparently gives billions of dollars of our tax money to Pakistan but is offended by India buying Oil from Iran. Is India supplying Iran with nuclear technology? I can see the hypocrisy in US policy which apparently all the pundits and newspapers can’t see. So, my reaction to your article is “whatever.”
Either you are with the Americans or against the Americans. No two faced dealings, please.
Dont mind this Paki idiot (krm1007). He has no brains to talk about matters like international policies or politics.
Whats with all the name calling little buddy....and I say that with my head bobbling!
I understand Randy. What I did was just bad manners, but you need to look at KRM's messages all over this blog and every other Zakaria's blog to really understand his intensions. I'm just not okay with indians and pakistanis fighting over each other while they lived peacefully together as one country not so long time ago. There are more muslims in India than in Pakistan and while Indian muslims can live well in India with other religious people why would pakistanis treat India their ememy or vice versa. I would like to see India and Pakistan get together someday and live in peace, so that both nations can achieve great heights and be mutual benefactor. Peace!
Why is in news Fareed. - Iran has oil, India needs oils, Iran needs to sell oil, India needs to buy oil....bla bla bla bla bla bla. India is a friend of whoever gives India something. Pure and simple.
Actually I head from inside sources that DOD ( US department of defence) and the US defence establishment just looks down upon india (esp during the bush nuclear deal etc). They seem to be happy dealing with Pakistan probably because its easy to deal with...
We should weigh the centures old links between India and Iran in the context of typically short–sited US foreigh policy. Trade between India and Iran has a long history, going back many centuries. The two are almost neighbors, and have deep cultural ties as well....tea and snack shops, popularly called "irani hotels" are popular gathering places for college students as well as working classes! US shouldn't expect India to set aside its long standing links with Iran to respect its disagreements with Iran!
JRR
India is a double faced/double dealing country that is testing the patience of Americans. Cancel all nuclear agreements and fdi with India and send them back to medieval ages.
India had trade relationships with Iran for thousands of years. While friendship with US is awesome it only happened in the last few years. India repeatedly informed US it was supporting terrorism through pak aid but they never listened. Nixon was particularly anti Indian. India acquired nuclear power with out US/West help and had to face severe economic sanctions. India doesnt receive any aid from US so US cannot bully them. India survived on its own and made progress on its own. So it wont be that easy to "send them back to middle ages".
who is talking about the terrorism here you illeterate indians! no wonder you guys never read any emails at work and come to some sort of conclusion on your own.. dummest IT force in the world! go back and re-read this article again and then submit your comments! idiots
Zakaria the good Indian muslim showing his loyalty by turning people against India...start calling yourself a paki mr.zakaria...India is a champion of non-alignment movement(means minding your own business)...India cannot be bullied into taking sides with others...India lives in a really bad neighborhood with pakistan and china and very questionable loyalties from countries like Sri lanka and Bangladesh...India cannot afford to let go the very few friendlies it has...
I think Zakaria's question is correct. You cannot deny him that right. Questions are always good. What Zakaria is missing is the knowledge of centuries. He has knowledge of century and hence the views are short sighted..He will get there when he stops typing and closes his mouth and reads more.. India is an old country. Decisions arent based on yesterday but based on last century of information..
Shawn I am assuming you are an Indian who is masked behind an American name.....
Calling someone paki is like calling the n word.....If someone calls you a monkey brain eater your defense will be how dare they say that fume and than go and eat your sambhar rice with buttermilk...does that hurt SHAWNN
Also if you have cable at home you could have seen Zakari taking sides of India on almost all matters that compare India with Pakistan.
why would i hide behind an American name? i dont want to reveal my real name to the public but I assure you there are christian Indians who have foreign/english first names which includes shawn...
whatever i think a lot of Indian muslims(not all but a significant amount) has their own agenda which is anti Indian, pro paki and bad news for people of other religions. i think mr. zakaria is one of them. he lives in US and publishes his stuff is US. for the most part what side he takes in Indo pak issues dont matter as far as Americans are concerned but when it involves American interests it matters a lot. he is striking at the right time.
I haven't heard any christian Indians with the name Shawn. Even I am hiding my name but it is still somewhat believable.
Anyways you don't know Fareed or have enough money to have cable at house. That's why you are calling him paki without knowing where he stands. Shawn bottom line is and I am sorry to call you that cause I have learnt not to tell people the truth if it is going to hurt them. But I am sure it is not a revelation to you. That you my friend are a bigot and an IDIOT.
Mr.
Reading this article makes me think you haven't made enough research on what you are writing. This arguments about friendship and stuffs looks so childish to me. Common, you are not talking about any school kid who is asking his friend not to be friend with a another person as he is your enemy. Does this what it means when you criticize India about its friendship with Iran and USA?? Please sir don't write these type of articles and forcefully ask the readers to think wrong.
@ppl who think living conditions in India and this country itself is bad.....I have a message for you... "there are certain things in this world, you should see it, to believe it... and India is one of those" Please do visit this beautiful country, your mindset will change
India cannot become a super power as long as it kills its minorities.
Balwant Singh Rajoana will be hanged in Patiala jail in Punjab at 9AM on March 31, 2012.
His crime. He is Sikh
c mon aman, so how come other sikhs are being left to live their lives. Dont be silly. At that rate 20% of population in india ( minorities ) should be on death row..Having said that I do agree that the riots against sikhs were wrong in light of the assassination of indira gandhi and the perpetrators need to be facing death row..
When do you think justice will be served. I am 40 years and expecting to live another 25-40 years.
Over 100 sikhs are in jail. They have completed their sentences.
from your perspective they are criminals. Well your justice system sentence them to 14 years in jail.
even after completing sentence, it is unlawful to keep them in jail.
Pls. apply law to Sikhs also.
there is no justice systme for Sikhs.
While you're at it Aman put Indian Muslims in the category of oppressed. They are still waiting for justice for the Gujarat pogrom aided and abetted by the state of Gujarat and its leader from top down. How can India ever be a world player when its own house and minorities are suffering?
@zahid muslims are the most pampered community in India. India used to sponsor hajj and madrasas. I have never seen India govt giving any help to hindu(or any other) pilgrims. India govt especially congress is always eager to please muslim minority most of the time at the cost of hindu majority and other minorities. You say muslims are wating for justice in Godhra case. Then who burned the train? How about 300,000 kashmiri pandits(hindus) living as refugees in their own country for the last 25 years? India never even made an attempt to solve the kashmiri pandit problem despite being 80% hindu .
US foreign policies are built around how they benefit the US, and should not be a standard for the world. Being a US citizen I do not understand why the US has to interfere in other countries business. Just watch out for your own citizens and stop being the world police.
Every country looks for its economic interest first including USA. USA never raises issue of human rights with Saudi Arabia due to oil and it is an economic issue. If USA is willing to replace Iran oil, India will be happy to switch. In 80s, USA was aware of Pakistan developing nuclear weapons but decided to ignore it as it needed Pakistan's help to counter Soviets in Afghanistan. USA has pursued it global goals at the cost of India. Prime example is Pakistan.
Why can't India burn cow dung for its energy needs?
Lots of poor people do. I do not know what you are trying to imply by your statement. If you are little more clear in your message, you would get sound response.
Fact of matter is india is called subcontinent for a reason. With its myriad peoples, languages, political parties, insurgencies etc etc the country is a miracle holding together. Its a country which is focusing on development and has not much time or capacity to look outside and solve others problems. India is already considered bully in the region with its minimal intervention as of now. While it would be good to have a clear stance on policies time to time India is too focused internally to focus on someone else's problems or global peace per se. No wonder new zealand has so many diplomats because things are easy at home. I am sure Fareed knows the billion problems indian leaders face day to day including keeping their jobs as part of coalitions that tend to crumble time to time etc. Lets develop the country first and eradicate poverty before talking loud. If India interferes too much same people would be saying why dont you clean up your act internally before advocating globally? If the world recognizes india's place rightfully it would be a permanent member of the security council already...
India is already in a bad neighbor hood as some one pointed out with chinese hostile neighbours, china, pakistan, nepal, bangladesh, srilanka etc. China is also trying to be friend all the countries around. Not sure India has any reliable friends as of now ( russia?) and americans seem to be playing a double game courting india pakistan at same time. I guess india has its own problems to deal with and make new alliances based on its own interests covering its own back....
May India is the reason for all the trouble.
No justice for 1984 Sikh riots.
over 10,000 Sikhs.
In most cases a burning tyre is put around Sikhs necks and then the mob would chant that Sikhs are doing disco dance
Mr. you need a treatment for PTSD. Please seek help before you start dancing with tire around your neck. I am sure you will do a good job but it won't be good for you.
Someone has rightly pointed out, if the US can be friends with Pakistan and India at the same time, why can India not be friends with the US and Iran at the same time ..... Mr Zakaria, do you have an answer .... ?
I do....top dog can do what he wants. That which relies on the top dog better watch their actions.
The boss can sleep with your wife, but you'd better not sleep with the boss's wife
Who said that – you can sleep with Boss wife regardless. She is probably as much fed up with him as you are. Natural pairing in/outside the bed.
Journalism requires education, professionalism, self-restraint and ability to report things as they are. Mr. Zakaria has an opnion – so does my neighbor. It hardly matters...
Mr. Zakaria is trying to climb the ladder of American success. There are not too many ways for a minority to do that in US – other than hard work and appeasement. He is taking the appeasement route. That makes him a 3rd grade journalist but the guy needs to make a living.
Very true, if USA can be friends with Pakistan and India then India can be friends with Iran and USA.
This one is way off base mr.Z..seems like your knowledge base let you down and your submissions are NOT rationale...a policy of all my ducks in toe is not a rationale thinking and certainly undemocratic .. Since when democratic nations have to toe a line of thinking forced or coerced by fellow democratic nation that would compromise their well founded and well governed national interests..in a free society that is the fundamental understanding for good friendship? serving the self interests of your nation without consequence to others much less friendly folks is NO CRIME..I believe that's a given to a FREE SOCIETY in terms of global community..I think your article is OFF BASE and BORDERING on a BIAS thought process...other submissions have made various points on many elements and views on a range of subjects that are relevant to the dinamics of such arrangements and many have made worthwhile points to address such interaction amongst community of nations...let's say convictions should not be governedby conveniences but fundamentals that serve long range visions rather that transitional arrangement of ones conscious be it a nation or a fellow friend..Hope you get a chance to read the submissions here and get a good perspective where issues faltered on the subject..my two cents..
Before you aske the real India to stand up Fareed. you should show that you have the ability to move India out of this region. Surrounded by a hostile Pakistan and an untrustworthy China, India is trying hard to grow. For this it needs energy, and iran is the logical choice. India and Iran have a 1000 year history, Indian refineries are designed to use Iranian crude and Iran will be the best safeguard against the Taliban-Pakistan menace. Infact, Obama needs India to continue talking to Iran because he desperately needs someone who the Iranians will liset to
India can't even get out of the gate and has been relegated to babysit Bangladesh and Burma. No place for it in the new world order.
While Dr. Zakaria is a realist in most matters, this column displays a certain misplaced idealism. India's government may be frustrating to America, but we did not really side with them for all the years they suffered Pakistani-sponsored terrorism, aside from generic public statements. As Pakistan rapidly expanded its Indo-centric nuclear weaponry, America did nothing. Now expect India to follow America's lead against Iran, a nation with which India has had a relationship for centuries? India has already said will respect UN sanctions, but not sanctions that do not have UN approval. It has caused fewer headaches for America than Russia, China, Israel, or the Saudis.
Nice insights folks! Let me putforth two more moves by India in recent times- India paid Iran in terms of gold for its crude oil purchase bacause of the sanctions on Iranian banks, India along with 4 other nations is moving away from western influenced world currency-the origin of BRICS. What does this tell you? Mr. Zakaria, you don`t need to go to these big schools to learn about foreign policy and diplomacy, its a sheer common sense. Listen to the people in US and people like Ron Paul- it will become obvious. How many countries is US going to bomb like this and how many regimes does it want to change across the middle east-is this what you desire from an ally- one who massacres people in the name of "humanitarian" mission? The lust for power and world domination is actually hurting US and before you tell India to standup, please make an effort to point this out and comeup with a diplomatic, non-interventionist foreign policy. Don`t misuse journalism to push these wild thoughts that your establishment asks you to do.
If there is peace in India, why India is sending its notorious para-militaries in Punjab.
As i am writing India is sending BSF companies in punjab, so Sikhs cannot protest the hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana.
No matter what India does, Khalistan will be free.
Sardarji – 12 baj gaye hein aapake!!
I expected a bit more insight from Fareed , whom i usually appreciate. His big assumption is that India also views iran and it's nuclear ambitions as big a threat. The fact is India does not. I saw a show recently on NDTV, where a prominent Congress party sympathiser thought Israel was much more dangerous than Iran.
In 1953, America overthrow Iran's democratic government and installed a brutal dictator. Shah of Iran killed thousands of Iranian and America helped to setup Shah's secret police. During Iran-Iraq war America supported Saddam, which killed million Iranians.
Iran Air Flight 655 was a civilian jet airliner shot down by U.S. missiles on July 3, 1988, over the Strait of Hormuz, killing all 290 passengers and crew.
In 2003, America invaded Iraq and killed 1,000,000+ Iraqi people and displaced 4,000,000+ Iraqi people.
Now America is a failed state with huge debt. America's debt will be 24 trillion by 2015.
India murderous regime depoying BSF in Punjab – Times of India.
Amensty international and US government has acknowleged in past that BSF men indulge in human right violations.
So do sikh militants. Go take a nap and give yourself a break before you suffer a nervous breakdown.
Very disappointed with Zakaria. Being the son of Rafiq Zakaria i was expecting Fareed know little better than what he says in this article.
As some one pointed out the only reason every body going nuts over Iran is coz of Israel. Iran ans lot of sane Americans know that Isreal has enough Neuclear capacity top destroy Iran. The political compulsions and some christian beliefs in the Jewish states forces US to always back Israel. Now US being the police man of the world wants everyone to listen to it. If you don't then you will see articles like this popping up.
India have a impartial picture of the middle east unlike US as such can make sensible decisions unlike US. Instead of telling India to stand up one should learn from India,s stands in situations like these.
All the blame goes to America for waging wars on the oil rich nations?
America is the elephant in the room. Think again? Who else were the war mongers for oil. America has been good at taking much of the blame, while certain other countries have been quietly profiting from the confusion.
Man.. you people can not take any criticism .. I have dealt with your people in Banglore .. and theyre the most annoying pathetic so-called educated people around. Most of your country is whats represented in Slum Dog movie either dirt poor or corrupt. What do you expect from the govt that represents those people.
Any who.. if people love your country so much then why do you all line up for years to get our citizenship.. you people are welcome to go back on the same elephant you rode here!!!!!
Maybe you could explain what you were doing over there in the first place? Were you leading the outsourcing, or just helping with one?
I was victimized by it!
Randy.. I am indian in US and I am not lining up myself for citizenship.. I was born indian.. I will die one.. don't generalize please..
Randy,
Issue is not we love USA or not. Issue is like USA, every country has the right to look for its economic interest. Tomorrow, if Canada decides to develop nuclear weapons, would USA stop importing oil from Canada? Absolutely not as it would be a economic sucide.
Randy..you are a hater...hatemongers like you tarnish the name of a great country like USA.
Who is cheaper? The poor server or the one who chooses to have cheaper service.
Do you understand supply and demand? Indians are in demand in your country because
a) your kind of people don't have the education to meet the demands for high technology
b) your kind of people are too cheap to employ their own kind.
So hell yeah, you are victimized. Get cheap or go to school.
I am sorry Fareed but I completely disagree with you. Every country has the right to follow the politics which is best suited to itself. As the Chinese always say "There are no friends or foes in politics".
Israel is a very good friend of India- they have stood by us when we were in trouble , at the same time India is the only country in the world where jews were never persecuted ever in history and as the Israelis themselves admit that India is the most pro Israeli country in the world. Just because Israel or the US doesnt like Iran doesnt mean That India also has to dislike them-The Iranians did us no harm then why should we go against them just because some other countries dont like them.
And speaking of America- have not the american government supported regimes which were brutal and despotic just because it suited their geo-political interests. Was'nt Saddam hussein their ally during the Iran-Iraq conflict- he was brutal then too. But the differnce was he was "lesser" of the two evils. If US is so concerened about democracy and equal rights to all then why is Saudi Arabia and the other monarchies in Middle East their best friend.
Why did they always support Pakistan when their trained militants were killing innocent Indians- coz they needed Pakistan to be their proxy in afganistan.
So Mr Zakaria its very easy to sit in your cozy office and write articles from an unilateral point of view. Though I dont agree with India's foreign policy most of the time I stil believe that there is no need to make enemies when you can live as friends.
You come visit our enemy in our neighborhood.
You give billions of dollars to our enemy in our neighborhood.
You supply fighter planes and military support to our enemy in our neighborhood.
You take side of our enemy in our neighborhood.
You pressure us to not take action against our enemy in our neighborhood.
You think Indians are stupid and they cant see anything whats going on with our enemy in our neighborhood.
And then you expect full support from us ?
how many times i used "our enemy in our neighborhood" ?? lol
Don't push the Americans too hard otherwise next time they are in your neighborhood they will throw you into the ocean.
try it.. n we ll see who is in the ocean
My bad. krm1007 appears to be paki.. @ all American.. chilll
Rushi,
Empty threats posted online is all that you're made of? We Americans are sick of lowly dirty Indians sucking us dry with outsourcing. Here's an idea, why don't you fix your broke ass nation with 2,000 gdp per person first, then come lecture about whose doing what in whose neighborhood. And no every Paki doesn't reside behind every post, you jokers are too funny.
TJ
Here is the deal..
you stay in your F**ing limits...
We ll stay in ours...
if you cross..
We ll blow... (very silently though)
period.
forget about empty threats or lecturing etc etc.. go tell ur govt to fix ur fu..ing economy
Oh. The 7th Fleet did come into the Bay of Bengal in 1970. The Indian Army told them what they could do; shove off
Wasn't US maintaining the same stand years ago during WWII, before they were personally attacked at Pearl Harbor??
If India makes moves that causes them to fall out of favor with the US......Thank God my prayers have been answered. I've been dealing with outsourcing for the past 7 years and I can't take it anymore.
outsourcing... ughhh.. go get anti-outsourcing-feelings shot at your primary physician.. you ll be fine..
How come US has India & Pakistan as their friends on the same token?...entire world knows about Pakistan and their role in terrorism ...for politicians, elections is #1 priority and nothing else, India has lots Muslim population...same story every where?..now you don't have to pretend you are fair in treating US & India in the same way.
India may be the only country where ruling party (congress) will oppress Majority Hindus to get support of Muslims> In one state in South ( Andhra ) they have asked Hindus to stop having religious parade in Muslim dominated ares. They are trying their best to discredit another state which is standing up for Hindus. Lots of countries depend on middle east oil. That can not drive the foreign policy. Iran can completely de-stabilize the region with Nuclear power. That has to be stopped.
Dear Friend Aman Singh:
I am totally with you on the anti-Sikh riots and hang my head in shame as an Indian.
But having said that, the ghastly riots were not as a result of common Hindus pitted against Sikhs, but it was the GOONS of the Cong (I) running amock.
I do agree that many of those killers live in impunity even today only b'coz of lack of actionable evidence against them, even though everyone knows their criminal role. Unfortunately that's the tragedy of a justice system like India's or even the US' where many known killers are roaming the streets only due to lack of evidence.
Finally, every Indian recognizes that the valiant Sikhs are the most patriotic of all Indians (even more than us Hindus) given their huge representation in the Indian armed services and also historically when the Sikh religion was formed as an off-shoot of Hinduism to fight marauding Muslims. So, it was the Pakistanis (in association with some extremist Sikhs settled in Canada, UK & Germany) who trained & brainwashed some Sikhs into taking a violent path. Also as is well known, some of the most ghastly crimes were committed by Pakistani Islamic radicals themselves who were masquerading as Sikhs.
Anyways that's an unfortunate saga of India's history which has passed.........inspite of repeated attempts at resurrecting the insurgency by the Pakistanis.
Based on linguistic, Religious, Regionalism differences, just like the former Soviet Union, disintegration of Mother India is inevitable sooner or later. When I left India some 40 years ago it used to be (Intellectually … No actually in every way) a Bengali dominated India – Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Abolished the inhuman practice of Sati) Subhas Chandra Bose (Azaad Hind Fauz), Rabindranath Tagore (National Anthem – The 1st ASIAN EVER to win the Nobel Prize!) Bamkim Chandra Chatterjee (Vande Mataram), Swami Vivekananda (AKA Narendranath Dutta), Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, Prof. Satyandrenarayan Bose (Bose Einstein Theory) Satyajit Ray ... only to name a few. At present India is a PUNJABI DOMINATED NATION. By the way, SO IS YOUR GOOD FRIEND PAKISTAN!
Mohandas Gandhi had once said: “Pattabhi Sitaramaya’s (A candidate heavily backed by Gandhi against Subhas Chandra Bose) defeat in the hands of Bose is in fact my defeat in the hands of Bose.
Nehru had once said that "WHAT BENGAL THINKS TODAY THE REST OF INDIA THINKS TOMORROW".
Read history MR. You will find a lot of reforms and intellectural that are not bengali. Swami Dayanand was as much of a reformer, if not better, as Raja Ram Mohan Rai. Rajguru, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lakshmi Bai, Maharana Pratap, Guru Govind Singh, Shivaji, Chanakya,... how far one needs to go. Vedic culture is the culture born out of the banks of Sarasvati and sapta sindhu.
Is Fareed looking for India to start meddling in world affiars? Holy crap...have you seen them code? Or use the sink like a birdbath for God's sake?
Pardon my French but for India to "Stand Up" as Fareed puts it will require a truck load of viagra....no pun intended. Shameless people living on American handouts. These gimmes need to be stopped for India to realise how fast they fallback into the medieval culture they come from. Enough is enough. Americans deserve better allies.
how many trucks of viagra you urself needed for 1 F.. ?
Your French is pardoned. Slight error, old chap. You must be referring to Pakistan, not India, surely
NO HE MEANS INDIA AND RIGHTLY SO (Unless it is beyond your intellectual comprehensibilty).
U R a typical Indian. Indians have been saying for over a decade "Dawood Ibrahim ko hum nahin chhorenge". Main kahta hoon "Areey .... Pahle pakdo to sahee!!!
One of the reasons that the American People like the Pakistani people more than the People (Hindus) of India is that they, unlike the Hindus, do not LECTURE Americans about righteousness and IT technology etc. Also the vast majority of Pakistanis are much better looking – handsomer etc. (SHOULD Looks matter? NO. But DOES Look matter? You bet!) than the Hindus - the vast majority of who are KAALAA KAALAA NAATAA NAATAA!!
All I see on this forum is blah blah blah Pakistan... blah blah Pakistan.. Blah blah and some more blah Pakistan. I thought Fareed Zakaria's article was about India so why cant you guys stick to the topic instead of shifting blame on your neighbors and trying to prove yourselves to be some kind of a goody-two shoes nation. You are not. Your so called democracy is responsible for hundreds of deaths in Kashmir and Punjab. Corruption by your officials have kept the rural part of your country in a terrible state where masses have no food no rights no life. Mumbai and New Delhi getting a subway system does not make you Y2K beneficiaries a super power in any way. With all that said I.. I know you will immediately attack Pakistan and make all sorts of comparisons ...therefore let me tell you we are in no shape as we ourselves are consumed by religious fanatics so please do not even try to tell me how your government is so much better than Pakistan monetarily etc you are suppose to be youre more than three times our size. In the end kindly go back to the topic and defend your countries shady relationships with rouge countries and playing on both sides of the fence.
this world will be so much better without just two 2 countries pakistan and afghanistan...home of all terrorrism in the world
There will not be any problems in Kashmir and Punjab if it wasnt for pakistan and their state sponsored terrorism. We are better than you in every way. Deal with it. Mean while dont forget to keep $ucking on Obama d!ck for that aid money.
Funny because Bush started the "aid money," i.e. do the dirty work for us money and Obama actually ended it.
You seem like the perfect low-info Republican clown that has ruined America's name and prestige in the world. With "educated" folks like you, who needs enemies? And then you wonder why your job is outsourced? Ha!
today.. and yes today only.. one hindu gal was kidnapped in pakistan... 12 hours later.. she was converted to islam and married to muslim man... muslim cleric says she wanted to be muslim.. Now you shut the F up and fix your F porkistan
Rushi.. calm down kid... i can see the dot melting down your bobbling head!
Jamal, she is six and is afraid because your prophet Mo is eying her. It is natural for a girl to be afraid when a sixty year old tries to force himself on her. Just ask Ayesha.
I too thought Fareed Zakaria's article was about India and Indians. Why are you, a muslim, coming here to post your useless comment?
I Am sure U.S> can trust more in India that Israel, the history show us how the jews for years an years violate and many forms, help the russian with the atomic bomb rosemberg, the guy he is in federal prison Pollard and many more all them american citizen, and the another way each country has to look the best for their people, Israel they doing many times they don't care , friend or not friend
The implosion of India is imminent. It has become too big to govern. Just like USSR smaller autonomous states will emerge. CNN can only prop up India so much.
..!..
Going by the same logic,one will ask why China is one of US biggest trading partner and a communist country but Cuba a small communist country with little to arm US under so much sanction.
US is fighting a proxy war for Israel and India does not have a bone in this fight.We have not learn to value our personal national interest over Israel national interest.
Dear Friend krm007:
You said "Americans deserve better allies." (with ref. to India)
Most people here do agree with you, given that we consider Pakistan as our close ally (ALL -LIE!!).
I also agree that India may not have been the best of allies viewed NARROWLY on a issue-by-issue basis.
But, overall every right thinking Indian and American, both the common people and the leaders in govt. know that INDIA and the US ARE THE GREATEST OF ALLIES based on our common committment to democracy, freedoms, human rights, concern for minorities, plus emphasis on scientific education (NOT the Madarasa kind that our unfortunate brethren from across the border are exposed to!).
"Experimental Democracy" has failed in India. An experiment that was being shoved down India's throat by western countries too eager to propagate their own values on a country that was trying to decolonize itself while trying to shed the communist skin of being a Soviet ally. India was thus trapped. What has become evident now is that this "Experimental Democracy" has marginalized the country. The marginalized groups of the country – Dalits and ‘backward’ castes/classes, indigenous ‘tribal’ people and religious minorities have been disenfranchised. "The belief that corruption is the important issue in the country is shared only by the minority living in urban areas and towns who have been beneficiaries of economic liberalization policies mandated by western countries. The most important challenges of Indian society remain as follows: justice, social and economic equality and equal access to certain standards of life for all Indians. “While India seems too eager to please its western masters and put on a progressive and softer face for CNN for public consumption, people see through it. The consequences of this "Band – Aid" approach will be brutal for India geo-politically when it realizes that the GDP statistics that it has been relying to gage its progress has not amounted to much in the long run.
Mr. Zakaria
Slowly but steadily what everyone is talking about is true.. you have lost your mind to fanatics.
What absurd arguments are you trying to make.. US has vested interests in Iranian oil..US has wasted trillions in wars and going down the drain.
India on the other hand is going strong, doesn't need any big brother to direct foreign policies via remote.
We will do what is good for us, just like US can be friends with Pakis n still maintain India as its strategic partner.
You should better be writing fiction or religious books these days.. blahh
Reading all the comments here one can ONLY GASP at the animosity between Pakistanis and Indians, INSPITE of India having a MUSLIM POPULATION THAT IN REALITY EXCEEDS THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF PAKISTAN, given that Indian govt's delibarately downplay Muslim nunbers NOT to assuage the Hindu majority & other patriotic peaceful non-Muslim minority Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and tiny numbers of Zorastrians & Jews.
Can anyone imagine what would have been the state of affairs between India and Pakistan had India been a HINDU THEOCRATIC STATE or even a Secular state with NO MUSLIMS ?????
So Mr. Zakaria just as everyone knows only too welll that India has only limited flexibility while dealing with Muslim countries like Iran while pandering to its own Muslims much against the wishes of the Hindu & non-Muslim majority.
Dear Amit, I did post a letter about the Shiite muslims in India and the secular thread in India but CNN chose to exclude my post. They seem to want to sideline realities for other nations to string along other nations into subservient foreign policies.
As Henry Kissinger once said that America is no one's fried – it has its interests to look after. The US has been trying to make an 'Asian Bully' out of India against China which is destined to become the next Superpower.
Iran doesn't need India. It's India which needs Iranian oil. In fact India is the second largest buyer of Iranian oil after China. Last year India bought $12 billion worth of oil from Iran.
India doesn't need Israel. It's Israel which is using Hindutva comunities against Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and rest of the Muslim world. Israel sold $5 billion worth of arms to India last year. Israel is also secretly trying to establish a "Little Israel" inside India.
http://rehmat1.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/the-little-israel-in-india/
Dear Friend Rehmat from Opinion-Maker !
1 BILLION NON-MUSLIM INDIANS LOVE THE VALIANT JEWISH PEOPLE!
But that may not be reflected in India's policy thanks to die-hard Islamic supporters like Mr. Fareed Zakara and his late Islamic scholar, polygamist father Mr. Rafiq Zakaria!
But that's surely changing with the Hindus and non-Muslims asserting their wishes....no wonder there surely is a India-US-Israel axis now and is ONLY growing stronger by the day!
ahhhh........ Amit-Atlanta. I was sure I would see u here. You do hate anything Islamic/Muslim with very being of your fibre. But you think Jews are your friends? Ha ! To Jews you Hindus are much Goys, Goyyims and Siksha as we Christians. Jews are taking advantage of Christians and Hindus like you like them (and vice-versa) because you both hate Muslims.
Had Fareed been an Islamist he would not be at Israel Hasbara Committee member CNN – or editor at the Jewish family owned TIME magazine. As I suggested to you over other sites – the Israeli Habara dudes like you – need to put their brains in proper places.
Shalom = "What is good for Jews," Gilad Atzmon.
Who do you work for? MOSSAD? RAW? ISI? KGB? CIA? MI6? OR R U A SELF IMPOSED (Highly impressed with your own self) intelligence/cladestine operations EXPERT?!
America your time is up, please sit down !
haha
Some of the comments here are so damn baffling. All these are opinions of individuals and they do not represent the stance of their respective countries. Some of you are growing the most dangerous epidemic called "Hatred for one another". Please cure yourself, the answer is within you. We are the future of this world, the way we envision it should change.
I TOTALLY DISAGREE. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY THE "POLITIACALLY CORRECT" GAME, YOU WILL NEVER UNCOVER THE TRUTH I.E. WHAT'S IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF PEOPLE ... WHICH IS VITAL IN FINDING REAL MEANINGFUL SOLUTIONS. YOU WANT TO BE THE NICE HIGH AND MIGHTY CIVILIZED AND SUPER EDUCATED GUY DO SO BY TAKING UP A TEACHER'S JOB AT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL. THIS IS A FUN FORUM. ONLY THING IS PLEASE READ ONCE AGAIN: CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
If ones goes by the comments that have adorned this article.i see the whites against all relgions..see what they did to the black guy in florida...white or not...zimmerman or not...it brreds contempt for other religions..i am pained that ..it was jew hatred before..black hatred after..muslim atred next and now hi du hatred..let a life dude...just work at mcdonalds and u will get ur minimum wage
India is the world's most "hypocrite" nation,as anyone who has read about its last 64 years of "so called independent democracy" is nothing but a big lie to its people and has been looted and run by all sorts of corrupted people.It doesn't even have proper toilet facilities for more than half its people-goes to tell you something about "thugs in power",and it doesn't matter who runs that nation-its always been run by corrupted people.
USA needs to learn from the largest democracy in the world, India. But will the Israel-Firsters, American Likudist, AIPAC lackeys let US do anything US wants? No way! Israel owns US.
India must follow her own interest and security. yes, India is a democracy and so is USA. But that does not mean the USA sides with India all the time, so why India must pull US chestnuts out of fire. NO one has forgotten when Kissinger tilted against India, the "useful idiots", and Nixon called Mrs Gandhi :"that women". No one has forgotten how USA turned a blind eye to Pakistani atrocities in Bnagladesh and terror attacks in India. No one has forgotten how several US congressmen spewed venom against India and plainly pursued anti India policy. Even toady, anti India sentiment is strong in US administration. India cannot pick up fights with everyone in the name of ideology. They have enough worries of their own and enough internal strife and external aggression. yes, Mr. Zakaria, South Asia is a rough neighborhood and India has to pursue her own interest. Your suggestion is misplaced,
Sapsy,
U mean usa is not ruled by thugs..
Who is the chicago don?
Who are mormons?
Who illtreated blacks for a long time and stll do?
Who supported sadam in the 80 s?
Soory dude..u are no different..its just plain hatred..i studies in a catholic school..and till o came to ameica didnt know u had many castes like we..we all are no different..but all vehiciles of ONE GOD...
Who hate jews because they are more successful?
India is a busy place, where 1.2 billion people live, work, and struggle just like everyone else. Every now and then invadors attack, like Greeks, Moslmes, and British, and then country spends centuries fighting them off. But at the rate at which things are going, I don't think P.M. Singh has time or concern for childish arguments of Farred Zakaria, who is complaining that India is too peaceful and it should fight the wars that Zararia things are good for India. Mr. Zakaria, joint the military if you have balls, or get a real job where you can make your living honestly.
I had a great respect for Zakaria until I read this article. You do not have the right to tell India what they should do and who they should become friends with. If not all, majority of the people know that you are Indian first and American second. You have the right to act, feel and think like an American, but you cannot and should not expect India and Indians to think and act like you. I know India has many problems that need to be taken care of and improved, but your suggestion is not one of them. This is coming from a person who is not an Indian and lives in the U.S.A.
India has the 2nd largest population in the world and in this tough economy indian government has tremendous responsibility and pressure to look what is best for the well being of its people. India can not indulge in hostilities with other countries especially with its own neighbors like some of the super powers of the world can or wish india to do.
I like Fareed, and he does have valid points.. India should indeed be assertive when it comes to foreign policy. But that being said, this doesn't mean India needs to align our foreign policy with us. All countries are ultimately self-serving and all political alliances are between fair-weather friends. The US supported and armed Pakistan in the past, knowing fully well that many of these arms were being siphoned to fund terrorism in Kashmir. We now hope that India will not hold grudges (it was a different time altogether, with Russia being the primary enemy), but it's hard for a nation to forget years of terrorist insurgencies. Surely we ought to understand if now India chooses to pick her own battles. Iran (or rather its despotic leader) could be verbally anti-Israel, but it is ultimately a posturing nation without the resources to train or arm militants or wage a full-fledged war. Fareed himself has advocated not rushing into war with Iran. So why the aggravation about this?
USA is an ally of the most intolerant and hateful nation in the world- Saudi Arabia. Why pick on others?
@Zahid – Meanwhile please elaborate on the plight of Kashmir Hindus who have been wiped out by the muslim invaders.
It's biggest customer? It's?? Really, CNN??
India doesn't have any morality. India helped Sri Lanka to kill hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. Now India is protecting Sri Lanka from war crimes investigations. so how can India understand the difference between Iran, Israel and US.? Politicians/Leaders of India is concerned about their livelihoods and not the country's future. India only talks about human rights, but doesn't practice what it preaches.
When Isreal said stop trading with Iran.. Then why does India disobey. Very soon Isreal will ask UK/US to punish all the present trading partners of Iran. It's just a matter of few months .. After the war ..... Once the oil is in our hands they can start trading in a open market Iran.
It looks more and more that Iran's days are numbered. They started selling oil for rupees???!!!. What triggered american invasion into Iraq was that Saddam started selling oil for national currencies....ignoring $$$$. Just watch....
None of the above is true about the Indian foreign policy.
India is biding it's time until the next heir to the Nehru dynasty can take the helm.
PM Singh is merely there to keep the seat warm for Rahul or Pryanka to assume the throne.
Fareed, you are son of India. You should know this.
Most submissions here have made their point and even offered a rationale perspective relevent to the subject by Mr Zakaria..some have ventured to submit arguments or explanations totally irrelevent .. while some have apparently putforth a point with personal experiences – over all it is APPARENT that MOST DISAGREE with the assertions drawn by Mr ZAKARIA..it will be nice to see if Mr ZAKARIA would like to EXPAND on his point of view as in original article and relate to the perspective by fellow members here?
Usually Mr Z is welrecieved in the press n his articles are well respected in the media (print or else) but apparently he is off base here and the members have taken note if not clear exception..to his irretionale thoery of friendship in global communities where he advocates to follow friendship regardless of ones own national interests being compromised?
Mr ZAKARIA you are invited to the discussion you started ..I think you owe that to your readers n the fan base if I may add? Your turn Mr FZ..
Hey Amit-Atlanta-USA;
Do you ever have anything to do besides hating Muslims. All you have on your posts all over CNN is hate for Muslims. Do you even know how close Judaism and Islam are?
You just keep spouting on hateful post after another hateful one for Muslims.
You sure do have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You would do a favor to yourself and your family if you go see a shrink.
Fareed: Don't forget Indian intervention and "invasion" of Sri Lanka. Why did that happen? because the Gandhis armed, trained and financed the terrorist group the Tamil Tigers who wanted to carve a separate state in Sri Lanka. When the Sri Lankan army was encircling them under the Great Late General Denzil Kobbekaduwa's leadership and the Tigers were about to be defeated India intervened. it violated international law by dropping food supplies adn then threatening the Sri Lankan government of direct intervention. That lead to the IPKF which came as "peace keepers" because they defenseless Sri Lanka could not go to war with India.. So they came and after a few months of acting big and trying to tame the same Tamil Tiger terrorists they had to go to war because finally Sri Lanka's leaders outsmarted them and told them if they came to keep the peace and to honor the agreement they had to implement the peace accord. After 1,200 dead, raping of Tamils and a host of disasters the Indian Army was asked to leave but their stay in Sri Lanka caused all sinhalese to hate india for what they did. That was India's VIETNAM. So get your facts straights buddy boy..You must have been an ignorant little boy during that time 1987-89.. Then in 2009 India turned and helped Sri Lanka finally defeat the Tamil Tiger terrorists(the first group in the world to effectively deploy suicide bombers, mostly young brainwashed girls, as a weapon of war against not only civilians but on military fronts. In 2009 India told the USA to "back off" and gave Sri Lanka 48 hours to wipe out the Tigers at tremendous cost but it HAD to be done because by then India was sick of the Tigers they created in the 1980s and after their VIETNAM they did not want a separatist movement which had links to Tamil Nadu.Get your facts straight buddy boy. or email me and I willl be happy to educate you on FACTs of India's arrogant hegemonistic behavior and bully role.
Roger, interesting that you should bring up Vietnam and the IPKF. Yes, I agree that the IPKF was India's little Vietnam. But you sir, seem to be forgetting Korea, the Bay of Pigs, Somalia, Abu Gharib, Guantanamo, the Shah of Iran, even your own Civil War. Shall I go on? But yes, I agree with you on all. As a matter of fact, I'd like to add a couple of more points, Brindanwale and Khalistan were a creation of Mrs. Gandhi (so she could find a reason to invade Pakistan) as were the "insurgents" who attacked India from then East-Pakistan. We have our own brand of FP!!!
All said and done, its time for a Regime change in Iran. That's what the world wants it and the people of Iran. All these sanctions are eye wash. Bush tried it his dad tried it and his grand daddy(Regan) tried it and it failed.
India is too dependent on Iran's oil to pull the plug at once everybody knows it.
"Regime change"? Why the heck? How has Iran harmed any country? How has Iran harmed India? Ha you asked all 75 million if they want a regime change? No! You just listen to Israel and India or maybe since Israel hates Iran and all Arab/Isalamic countries you cheerlead for Israel.Because Israel hates them, so must we all.
dude no one is saying Iran has hurt anyone. all we are saying is that Iran signed on and ratified an agreement but they are reneging on their commitment to international community.
Please answer this question to yourself what would you do if someone in your home town keeps warning you every other day that they are going wipe you and your family off this planet Earth; EXACTLY
but even though i say this i could care less for Israel's crazy ways of trying to stomp on other backyard with the slightest disagrement
Just read what happened in Iran after the recent presidential elections.
Until recently, I used the phrase "pompous bag of wind" when referring to know-it-alls who acted as though they had some kind of special insight (when in fact they had none at all). Now, I just use the word "Zakaria", and everyone knows exactly what I mean.
I agree, India never stood for any good in the world events. In the cold war era supported USSR,during the first gulf war supported Saddam. .... it is on an on Recently was a party to Sri Lankan war crimes..
Thanks a lot Fareed for the amazing objective assessment.
Currently a lot of mature countries are not calling India out for the duplicitous ( not intended in a negative way) game India is playing. But Fareed's comment should be taken as a warning that it won't be long before mature countries call India out
Very good article, though you could have put more points, you should have been blunt- this article says you are behind Israel...anyway I am not a supporter of Nuclear bombs....so anyone who stop nuclear will get my support......India is now neither here,nor there..pathetically slow, directionless...does not know how to utilize its tremendous manpower, the fig about NZ-India diplomat does not surprise me, thats how india run....50-100 years behind....
Sorry can't blame the Indians. India is an Italian colony now. Ruled by a queen from Italy her highness "Antonia Edvige Albina Maino".
I am shocked, shocked, to find the a nation is following its own interests!
I hate Indians and there Mini marts.
Dude, not cool.
Not cool Ron above, nobody needs racists. I'm the Ron who wrote below, changing my handle now to Ron M.
Go Rula!!! I'm in love! http://rulajebreal.net/biography
When blame start flying many American finds Indian born Fareed Zakaria on the wrong side of moral imperative, acting like a India-ville first, American second. Some find gap in objectivity or American leadership test standard compromise just to cover Indian geo-political fixation. This India first for an American is akin to bad journalism or intellectual compromise of the highest order.
Beyond his know-toeing Indian Kashmir/Afghan stand, its energy need, or its non-aligned groupie thought; US Iran policy run the risk of being precursor to a costly, difficult to sustain conflict. Withstanding that sustainability question, alternative scenario may have India playing a positive role to western concern. Sometime affording little benefit of doubt at the door step of Fareed Zakaria could be for healthy journalism too.
Fareed is just a parrot for Obama followers.
Zakaria shows his real color: Indian origin. The world still remembers that during the cold war, India was the closest follower of U.S.S.R. Why does Zakaria still portrait its own India as the ally of the West ?
During the Cold War India was "non-aligned" but was "closer" to Russia because America was closer to Pakistan AND China.
jogira tarara !!!! why India should invest energy and time in fights.. lets spread love. Theres already too much hatred created by the boundaries of land. Love from India to all Earthlings !!
India to spread love.
Yeah! Bring on Rula Jebreal! Saw her on CNN last week, news anchor. She looks like she is from India?? Wow – Super Smokin hot woman, go see if I'm right here http://rulajebreal.net/biography
I have been saying it over and over here in many commentarys to Fareed's writings: this guy is a horrible journalist, his perspectives are always opposite of logic and far left of left. The only person that is worse is that Liberal radio guy Ed "bag of spew" Schultz.
At least here you get all sides to sound off. Good debate, usually hundreds of replys to each column. Here is something telling - Go to Ed Schultz's site and there are an average of only six (6) comments per blog post. Why? Because it is completely censored. I wrote several respectful objectve views yesterday (yes conservative). None were posted, all censored out. Well – There's the extreme left for you.
No wonder the government has to completely subsidize his radio station (MPR? Is it?). Very few people must listen. Most people are not totally dumb with blinders. For Ed to only get a handful of "sound offs" says a lot.
Censorship. Bad, bad, bad. Pitiful actually. Right or Left, both sides should be heard.
India has historically embraced a foreign policy largely based on non-agression that may serve a model for nations elsewhere. When it comes to participation in concerted international efforts to limit nuclear capabilities of another nation that could potentially have huge impacts on regional stability, the question, however, remains: how passive is not too passive even when inaction serves India's own narrow self-interests.
In this highly debatable peice, Fareed Zakaria, a brilliant Indian-American journalist and an awardee of India's third highest civilian award ("Padma Bhushan"), argues that such an overall passive and timid foreign policy of the largest democracy in the world is essentially short-sighted, irresponsible and unworthy of its democratic future. Unpopular criticisms from Dr. Zakaria that are certainly worthy of attention!
Amitava, what drugs r in your java? Your countryman is just a token writer here at CNN. A proxy. You have obviously not read his collections of stupidity. A very very naive man, especially on foreign policy. Basically a parrot for Obama.
You are probably new here, new to Fareed....
I am not new to world politics or not even new to Fareed. I am just perplexed by your disrespectful comments!
India is doing what it should, not making US`s problem its own. further Iran has a just reason to build its own defences. I would love to see regional countries show a middle finger to US over Iran.
Ir
We in the US give our middle finger to you. All you can do is wish. We can "DO". We own you, and always will, remember that.
Rula Jebreal says so too.
http://rulajebreal.net/biography
US has been friends with every crazy country when it suited its purpose. Israel doesn't want Iran to have what Israel already has. Wants to be the only big bully in the region. Don't fault it for that. Hey, but just call a spade a spade. The US is a puppet played by Israeli interests. Who knows how many American lives US politicians are willing to lay on the line for Israel. Mr. Zakaria, I would have loved for you to point out the continuing US hypocrisy.
tommy, your just another stooge with blinders. Israel is a civilized nation who just wants to get along and survive. Since when has Israel taken embassy hostages, supported proxy TERROR groups or has their own terrorists......OR stated that their near nearby neighbor should be wiped off the planet.
Answer those questions or don't bother even replying.
You can't, and your reply will just be anti semetic spew, watch.
Really Ron? I suppose the state of Israel was established with Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence! It comes as a tiny surprise that there was no armed action while the Jewish state was being pursued
Oh typical stupid Leftist, what can we say to you besides logic? Your responses are just dumb apples to oranges remarks. Go back and read what I wrote about who Iran is, what they do. Your reply...well, it's just a typical dumb defensive off topic spew. Naive at best.
Ed Schultz censors all who don't agree with his caustic mantra. Typical extreme Lefty, what a communist.
CNN rocks, at least a fair debate.
well for many this is about indian alliance with iran not about indian pakistani and american alliance as many people here think(see comments below from bjp supporters). I think india has all the right to trade with iran because they cant rely on saudi oil because as we know saudi oil supply depends upon jewish orders so india is quite justified in trading with iran and i believe pak should opt the same but doesnt seem possible witha jewish govt in islamabad.indian foreign policy is quite good and unbiased and it is quite strange that y america wants india to change it against indian national interests
Somehow true to an extent that India is kind of slow or doesn't take stand in International matters. This is the way India has been and I think will always be. Reason, to keep everybody happy and make them feel it is on their side (simultaneous friendship with Israel and Iran is an example). Obvious that it uses it for its needs, like oil from Iran in this case and anti-terrorism expertise and help from Israel.
There is nothing wrong with it. America has done same for decades, Pakistan and Israel are best examples. It used Pakistan for its own agenda to get USSR out of Afghanistan and adopts same policy for various nations. So, whatever is working and doing good for India is good. India has every right to use and exploit resources in the best interest of the nation like all the countries in the world have. No country has moral right to teach India a lesson in this regard. Zakaria is obviously teaching lessons because he is sitting on payrool of CNN United States. Still decent article though.....
India has always lacked a spine when it comes to its foreign policy. It prefers to sit on the fence on most issues. The height of its statesmanship was when one of its senior Ministers personally hand delivered terrorists to the Taliban and Pakistan supported hijackers. The politicians do not want to get on the wrong side of the middle-est nations for fear of angering its own Muslim populace, many of whom are here on this criticizing Fareed. As for those who criticize US support of Pakistan by the US, they should know that as per the SEATO/CENTO agreements US was bound by treaty law to do so. Despite that they found that the 1965 war was due to Pakistan and refused to support them. As for 1971 Nixon's China policy aided by Pakistan resulted in the ill-fated and wrong support for Pakistan. India needs to realize that in the 1962 war the US had set up listening posts in India and JFK had provided arms. It is unfortunate that India thanks to ill-conceived ideas from Nehru decided to cozy up to the Soviets and adopted their socialistic policies which again put her at odds with other western countries,
I read somewhere that the US supplied Patton tanks and Sabre jets to Pakistan and instigated Pakistan to invade India in 1965.
India did not have any advanced weaponry to match these items at that time. Initially, the idea was to scare India by supplying these weapons to Pakistan and pressure India into joining the Western alliance against the Soviets. However India preferred to remain non-aligned. Hence Pakistan was encouraged by the US to invade India. India fought with WW II junk and won the war. A few years later India aligned itself with the Soviets mainly to get advanced weaponry and a friend in the security council.
Mr. Zakaria, I never thought that you made any sense. I prefer Jon Stewart to you any day. I'm still trying to figure out what it is that you're trying to say. But I'll try to be as objective as possible. Yes, we need oil, so we're cosying up with Iran. So does the USA, and they're cosying up with the Saudis. But do you know how the House of Saud was established? Do a bit of reading of world history over the last 200 years. You'll be surprised. Would you care to remember how the state of Israel was established in the years after WWII? I used to really admire the Israeli state, about how they stood tall and rock solid, but when I read more to learn more about them, I was in for a bit of a shock.
We in India have a foreign policy. We'd rather not talk abut it. But we've done what we had to do, when we had to do. three wars with Pakistan, a disaster with China, peacekeeping forces to different parts of the world, including the Gulf of Aden. Then there was the IPKF to Sri Lanka that turned out to be our own little Vietnam, and we wisely learnt from it. We've got our own little dis-united nations in our own backyard and we don't need your sanctimonious view points to lecture us in how we need to conduct our FP. First please sort out the hacks on the Hill, whose only policy seems to be warmongering. For it is well established that the USA always thrives economically speaking when there is s world at war and you're selling the arms
Basically, this boils down to Bushist policy: If you are not for us, you are against us.
I do not see why any sovereign nation should bow down to the diktat of US. Particularly, US has changed its friends and enemies like a chameleon. Once, a great friend of Iran, now against; Once a supporter of Iraq, and later, waging war on its people and killing millions there; Once, a promoter of Taliban, now against; once, Bin Laden was a VIP visitor of Bush, now an enemy. I do not see why India should fight America's wars.
Also, the State Dept. looks at the world only from two angles: strategic interest in oil (that leads to friendships with dictators & terrorist-sponsors like Saudi Arabia) and the interest of the Jewish Lobby & the Military-industrial setup.
India has had a very long association with Iran and its people, and this cannot be broken just because US orders it. Similarly, Israel is still a friend , and this does not mean Iran is an enemy.
Unfortunately, the people in charge of US foreign policy are like a kid with a real pistol- likes to shoot at random.
Just look at the poor country of Cuba. it is decades since the Cold War wound down, but Cuba is an 'enemy' and a 'threat'. Can you imagine anything more absurd than that ?
Also Cuba is a lesson to learn from: Decades of sanctions and isolation have not toppled the regime. Also, the country has survived. US is the only reason it is suffering now.
Iran is far larger,and any amount f sanctions will not work. What will work is an understanding of the realpolitik in the region.
Yes, exactly, sanctions will never work. Bomb Iran until all that is left is a sheet of glass.
spoken like a true nazi.
Have you seen war or any of your family members killed
Yes, I'm glad you understand about the Nazi's. If we were to have killed them all, six million plus innocents would have lived. Child killers. That's what Iran will do in the next 10 years, they will anialating civilizations. Their stated goal. Can you argue that? Of course you cannot.
What we need to do is learn from India to get along with more nations. To stop being bullied into wars for Israeli causes.
In the long run these wars we get enslaved into for Israel may likely only hurt Israel.
Netanyahu as Clinton said needs to "get back to the damn negotiating table".
Iran ... is nothing more than WMD LIE PART II. (just like Iraq which was WMD lie part 1)
India wants to remain peaceful with world,
Please solve Kashmir Problem with Pakistan honestly and you will not have to watch for Afghanistan or Iran.
Sure by creating problem of Kashmir with Pakistan, India has become nuclear power, so the Pakistan, but lots of innocent lives have lost in between, which never Ghandhi or Qaid e Azam, wanted, so India, make this one right and you will be loved as most peaceful nation of world.
India agreed with Kashmir's ambition to be an independent state and pulled its troops. It was pakistan who attacked and illegally occupied half of kashmir and started raping, murdering and looting. kashmir king came crying to India asking for help. India upheld the UN mandate and said it cant do anything. So the king signed the ascension and India send its troops. You guys still occupy half of Kashmir which you acquired illegally and through treachery and asks India to let go of its half. Hypocrites. You guys are and always was the problem not India.
Don't care. The problem isn't Kashmir. It is Islam. Nothing will change even if we give Kashmir and the moon to the Muslims. They will just come back and starting their jehad asking for more. Been there, done that. Indians, unlike the westerners, know a thing or two about Islam. We have suffered them for 1000 years.
so true
Mr. Zakaria, you are dead wrong about telling India not to buy Iranian oil. India needs oil and she should be able to buy without any outside pressure not to buy. America does business whoever he wants to do with in the name of their national interest so India can do the same for its national interest. Don;t you think America should stop buying Saudi oil because it is one of the most undemocratic, tyrant and unhumane countries in the world? Plus, this country created 19 of 20 terrorist who were responsible for 9/11 attack! Stop preaching others about what your own country does not follow. I also think that if Pakistan has to survive as a nation then it should sever ties with America and befriend with India and Iran.....and live in peace and trade with her neighbours. This friendship and trade would solve Pakistan's many problems. Also, help build the gas pipeline from Iran to India. My advice to both Pakistan and India is to work together and prosper together. Pakistan can also help build good relationship between China and India.
Ekram, all you care about is India. To hell with the rest of the world and the bigger implications. You are the ostrich with head in hole. Pretty dark and quiet in your head isn't it.
Here is one typical stuff India should have supported to be called responsible international player by Zakaria:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat
Zakaria says "buy cheap oil from whoever" . I will tell you who buys oil from whoever. There is a certain United States of America which buys it from a despotic King of Saud (and the world's biggest financier of madrassas). In Saudi, it is illegal for women to even drive! At various times, it the US who has propped up everyone from Saddam to the Taliban and now they want India to tow their line. Indians may be weaker but we are not American – read short sighted & dumb!!!
Why is India wrong for not supporting US sanctions against Iran?
First, you cannot stop the development of nuclear technology. India and Pakistan proved this. Nuclear technology comes down to digging rocks out of the ground. You might as well try to stop nature itself. All it does is remove any internal opposition to the development of nuclear weapons and polarize another country against you. It has never worked. It will never work.
Secondly, we don't have any right to tell a sovereign nation what technology they can and can't develop– especially when we already have that technology! Fact is, Iran would be crazy not to develop nuclear technology.
Why should India "stand up" to support a deluded anti-science US policy that can never work, when they themselves were at the receiving end of sanctions for the same thing? The fact India is going to have to keep fighting its little endless proxy war in Afghanistan against Pakistan's Taliban when the US leaves is certainly not a reason to give up strategic resources.
Let's be honest... Canada and Europe might not be "free-riders on the international system" ... but they have been living on the cheap and reaping huge benefits while the US has done the heavy lifting for decades. US foreign policy since WW2 has created this political environment and while it has benefitted the US the most, it's time to consider the future costs compared to the benefits. Do we want to retain power in exchange for providing world stability if Europe and India are going to "shake us down" by narrowly pursuing their own interests? Signs point to yes.
America sells agricultural produce, Wheat, and a great deal of it, to Iran. Sanctions? Not when Washington lobbies come in the way. So Iran sanctions as far as America goes is bunkum.
Now coming to India, that country is amongst the most ineffective countries in the world. The ruling party Congress staked itself as the protector of minorities and that means appearing friendly to all those terrorist countries just to appease these voters. Even when India could kick butt in the Pakistan wars, it never did. It meekly gave back Paki territory that it won over in wars, without demanding it for an exchange with Pakistan-occupied-kashmir. What a loser!
India needs oil. Iranian oil is cheaper that Saudi Arabia's. Saudi Arbia's sunni wahabbi mullah are indoctrinating India's minority muslim population and causing trouble. While the shia's in Iran have never caused any trouble for India. So it goes to reason that India does not want more Saudi dependence on her economy.The US will take off from Afghanistan in 2 years, and Iran and India hate the taliban which Pakistan will surely support so they are natural allies there. The muslim world has a country with a Sunni bomb(Pakistan) and it should be balanced with a Shia bomb(Iran). As for Israel, India is a friend. India and Israel have billions of dollars of trade mainly military every year. Plus a large scale intelligence sharing of Islamic terrorism. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are in India at any given time as tourist, businessmen etc and poll after poll has shown the Indian population to be pro Israel. India does not need to change her policy,India needs both..Israel and Iran should work out their differences instead of bombing each other.
American taxpayers have provided a lot of aid money, jobs, foreign direct investment, technology, nuclear know how, support against talibans etc etc to India. The least indians can do for American taxpayers is support them when they need it. This is what friends do. But it appears Indians want to be on the money taking end and give nothing in return. Not gonna cut it.
Bollocks. US has been giving aid to pakistan you moron. The country who hosts taliban etc. We don't owe you anything.
Thus spake the Paki Krm1007.
This article is plain rubbish !
I agree. Fareed makes the most unreasonable analyses week after week, as if we have forgotten that what was said a week ago or a month ago turned out to be completely untrue and unrealistic. You want real political analysis, you have to go to Comedy Central not CNN
I'm sorry, but I disagree, Mr. Zakarariah.
India is filled with citizens that allegedly have starved and so forth – and suffered through typhoons and whatnot – but the press plumps up the reality nicely to force guilt in the face of viewers and readers. This guilt is India's best tool that it uses against its alleged "friends".
I have seen too many citizens that arrived in the United States of America exploit American citizens, subjugate employees at their resorts and casinos that many Indian (India) families rapidly have purchased over the last decade – and funnel ALL of that money back to the Bank of India.
India is not a friend of the United States because it is laundering our tax dollars back to that nation.
Time for the US to stand its ground and say, "OUT!"
We have no room for opportunists off the backs of American taxpayers.
Charlatans all!
Ghandi used guilt.
India's goal is to take our money with their call centers and H1B employees while they reach around and stab us in the back. Enjoy the New World Order.
Your corporate chiefs are the ones shipping American jobs overseas so they can become rich. It is not India who asked for all those jobs, it is just your big heads throwing away your jobs. So, stop blaming and start acting like a mature adult.
If it wasn't India, it would be someone else. Your corporate overlords sold you out. Sold our technology out. Sold America out. All in the name of greed. Most commonly this is done for Chinese Communists. We used to have an effective punishment that deterred people from selling out America to communism. We simply need to start enforcing the laws we already have on the books. But we lack the will to even charge Bradley Manning with treason. Absurd. At any rate, their seditious and treasonous actions are not India's fault. The dagger was in your back long before that, and it was a "fellow" American holding it.
India acts like a small country in a big country body. I am sure if things again get stirred up in Kasmir, India will expect the assistance of the US. Notice there hasn't been anything going on in that region since coalition forces have taken to the war on terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
IDear Brian, ... India never wanted US to present in talks regarding Kashmir issue. India always given this stand to the world that... "Kashmir issue" is bilateral issue (which needed to be sorted out between India and Pakistan, in general.). Because, everyone (in those days) knows what would be the result, if USA is Given-A-Opportunity to speak/mediate on Kashmir. On the Other hand, Pakistan always wanted US to be present in these talks........Just for your information, Buddy !!
Can't blame you for your ignorance. Lets see, how will you understand? What you wrote is False. I don't think you want to know more. If you do, read some news.
Indians cannot afford to have too many enemies. Thats the Geo political issue. Its very complicated neighbourhood. During the current vote against Srilanka in UN, their neighbours like pakistan, china, bDesh, maldives voted in favour of SL. India due to the compulsions from the Tamilnadu population, voted in favour of US backed resolution. Its very very difficult for India to side with one party to another. Country itself has too many states with too many vested interests. Government is formed from different parties with no common minimum program.
Fareed is a liberal commentator who wants India to side with the Islamists and oppose US.
However, he makes several mistakes in history, for example, India sent troops to Sri Lanka in the 80's and for that Tigers assasinated Rajiv Gandhi with a suicide bomber.
A developing nation wants to consume oil for a cheaper price during a global recession? NO! You don't say? I am amused how Americans are the biggest per capita consumers of oil and have literally made zero changes in the past 10 years, but now want a developing nation to curb consumption for the sake of global stability. Honestly, if you want to concentrate on stability with respect to Iran, focus on Israel not India.
If pakistani ISI terrorists attack India, US never do anything about it, because it has to protect their interest, but when it comes to Iran and Isreal, wehave to stand up huh? We too have our interest to be protected.
Ana,
Are you a fool too? You in India are at more of a threat from nuclear annihilation that us in the US. You may not cause it, but you will end up in the midst of it, die either way. So why would you not want to prevent it. The only way is to prevent Iran, or annihilate her. Or cut the head of the snake, the Mullahs.
yeah you fool, thats what I am saying, when US is not doing anything about Paki nuclear other than giving them money and ignoring all the terrorists attacks, they need to do something more. Dont you see with your fool eyes, they take your billions of dollars and they hate you guys to death.
Ron, what you are saying is right, but the nuclear bomb is not in Iran. Listen to "ana"
BTW it was Pakistan and North Korea and there fore China nexus for this nuclear proliferation right ?
Can't take on China and Russia would not bother so bash India ?
I think this is a mistake to debate this in public if that is what Obama is trying to do !
Mr. Zakaria, at best that's simply hypocritical. Each country has the right to pursue it's interest, like the US pursues its own, by giving billions in aid and defense supplies to Pakistan, which it uses against India.
Unfortunately, being condescending towards India is a pattern with you. Almost seems like you're desperately ashamed of where you came from and thay shows up as unusually intelectually bankrupt articles.
I am generally a fan of your analysis but you need to rise above this.
While he does this regularly it is not often but he tends to simplify international relations into the most base idealistic theory. What he tends to overlook are what is good for one country is not necessarily good for another and how hypocritical his comments in this article are. Heck if India can avoid being dragged into every international situation good for them, they can use their own money for their own people.
We (the US) litterally have a war raging on our southern border. And the weapons being fought in that war are being bought in the US and taken to Mexico where they are killing civilians left and right. What have we really done to prevent this other than arresting some poor people for selling drugs?
I think this is the most absurd article ever written by Zakaria. I think he is clearly in the paybook of Obama administration. If you read all his articles it just toys with what this administration has in mind. He is for sanctions, against attack, and denigrate India finding reasons which are hard to even digest for a kindergartner. When USA has the stupidest of all foreign policy in the world with no spine against powers like China, Saudi Arabia and only can bully Cuba and genuflect before Pakistan. Please Zakria stop your theatre of absurdity. Please stop writing for a while . Take a break and come out of the paybook of obama. enough of earning money from obama administration and stop beiing their page boy.
I voted for Obama in 2008. But going by what Obama told Russian President Medvedev in the Nuclear Summit at Seoul yesterday saying that he will have greater flexibility in his second term I think I will surely reconsider my options.
That's particularly relevant here given that Obama has surrounded himself with many Islamic sympathizers who are driving him down a blind alley at the cost of AMERICA’s SECURITY. Notably his external advisors like Mr.Fareed Zakaria, and hand picked internal advisors like Rashad Hassan (US rep to the OIC), Imam Rauf (US Goodwill Ambassador to the Muslim world) etc. have been instrumental in several of Obama’s misguided Muslim pandering policies incl.
a) Sacrificing our trusted allies in the ME
b) Lack of concern for Israel’s security
c) Ambiguous policy with respect to letting Iran develop nuclear capability (if not nuclear weapons)
d) Refusal to take on Jihadist Pakistan with its self declared Islamic bomb
e) Creating a cell for greater Muslim participation in sensitive areas such as NASA etc.
All of which covertly designed to compromise America’s security and the security of the entire free world.
Looks scary to me!
US will eventually learn what Indians have learned after 1000 years of dealing with Muslims. That Islam is a a dangerous to any civilized society. Keep them away if you want progress. If you allow them in, they will infiltrate the society like parasites and destroy it from within.
India is doomed. I hope US, the only country in the world with some spine, doesn't fall into the Islamic trap.
hear hear!!!
India's role of friendship with USA and Iran is same as USA being friend with India and Pakistan. US knows Pak is one of the terror hub, still Pak was(is) still considered more "friend" than India.
India blacklisted Israel Military Industries March 9th.. I guess you missed that almighty all-knowing Zakaria.
That's just one out of many Israeli suppliers.
IMI was blacklisted for bribery allegations – not because they are Israeli or Jewish. India has spent over $10 billion with Israeli defense industries over the past decade and prefers Israeli goods- everything from assault rifles like Galil & Tavor to missiles and radars . Just a few months back, India’s trade minister was in Tel Aviv to discuss a free trade agreement with Israel. Thousands of Israelis visit India each year as tourists, there is no animosity towards Israelis or Jews in India except from some brainwashed Islamists.
Some of my friends here have said that I am against Muslims and that I am against Mr.Zakaria just b’coz he happens to be a Muslim.
Let’s get the facts right.
a) I am a bitter critic of the Iraq and now the Afghan war and believe we should stop our killings there, and pack-up & leave.
b) I also believe we should let Muslim nations handle their own affairs without our interference as long as they are not acting against our security interests.
c) Some of my most respected columnists are from Pakistan’s #1 daily Dawn. They include Kamran Shafi, Irfan Husain, Nadeem Paracha, I A Rehman, Mahir Ali, Pervez Hoodbhoy. Every word of what these HIGHLY ENLIGHTENED Muslims say on the tolerance for radicalism that pervades most Muslims, the Ground Zero Mosque controversy, Muslim misuse of America’s freedoms, and the degeneration of Pakistani society is worth its weight in gold!
Just go check out ANY OF THEIR articles on Dawn.
Likewise, India also has a HANDFUL of Muslim gems incl. Azim Premji (one of India’s richest Indians), Hindu convert and Oscar award winner A R Rehman, our great former President Abdul Kalaam (whom late Mr.Rafiq Zakaria father of Mr.Fareed Zakaria termed as a non-Muslim for his appreciation of Hindu values!!).
The one’s we can surely exclude from this list are the much pampered Shah Rukh Khan, late MAK Pataudi, Md.Azaruddin, Dilip Kumar, late Mr.Rafiq Zakaria and ofcourse Mr.Fareed Zakaria, and MANY MANY MANY more!
A CORRECTION In my response above:
The word "pervades" need to be replaced by "defines".
Sorry for the error!
"Our great former President Abdul Kalaam "
Mr. Amit,
Since you claim to be such a proud AMERICAN you should know WE (Americans) NEVER had any former president named ABDUL KALAAM.
Check my resp. below
I'm a American Pakistani..and I agree with all the Indians here. Fareed has no idea what he is spewing.
Actually .... I agree that India should stop buying oil from IRAN,... But who will supply OIL to India with same amount and with low price as Iran,. Why India should have to pay the price as people are poor and they don't earn $$$. We should see in global perspective not making India or China scapegoats as they should also fulfill the needs of there people.
No offense but if India and China start new avenues then oil prices will be 7$ a gallon for sure as opec countries will not produce as demanded .
Fareed tells India to stand up .. But Fareed what is your solution for Indian Oil demand.. If you are the PM of India. Please answer ...how you will make sure that India will have oil without increasing the price of oil ...
Use Fareed's GPS to locate more oil
So; one cannot have many friends; because Israel, US, & Iran do not get along; India has to choose side? India wishes to love everyone and has normal relations and can do business as they wish; so what is wrong with this? I wish every country could thnik the same. Who are we to dictaet to the countries and say who you should be friend with?
Mr. Zakaria- Business is Politics and Politics is Business. We do what's best in our interest just as you do in yours. Cheers!
Seriously disappointing from Fareed. India doesnt have to get involved in other countries affairs, we respect their sovereignty. India has its own interests. Iran is a soverign country with the a history as old as ours, if the want nuclear weapons they can have them. I dont like your implied notion that we are looking only looking out of for our interest. May be we are not the force for good, but we dont wreck the world by preemptive attacks and invasions. Seriously disappointed..
Zakaria has hit the nail on the head. The present Indian govt is spineless and weak and unable to decide who its friends are. Due to its minority appeasement policies it will dare not support US/Israel publicly. At the same time the Indian economy runs on money from the IT exports to the US and west. It keeps crying for H1 Visa, Indian exports to the US,etc. But never reciprocates when US asks for support. US has time and again requested for India to send troops to Iraq, Afgan and prove its friendship. Its high time India decides which side it wants to be.
Wait just one minute – when has the US asked for Indian troops in Iraq or Afghanistan? The US has never made that request and neither has India ever offered because India will only send its troops under the UN Flag for operations or when Indians command them. There is no provision in the Indian military code for them to be commanded by foreign soldiers or foreign officers and thus serving in a Coalition like ISAF wouldn’t be possible. If America bothered to get UN approval for its “adventures” then India would have sent troops into Iraq just like India has deployed troops in so many other UN peacekeeping missions. Next, after 9-11, India was one of the FIRST nations to support the US and was eager to help America in defeating the Taliban but the Americans decided Pakistan was more “trustworthy” and didn’t even bother to reply to India’s offer. Now you come and talk about India “reciprocating”?
Why does Iran or India or any country have to do what US/Israel dictate? India is an independent state and will do what it must. Enough of US/Israel hegemony.
And while we are on the topics, whoever said US/Israel are responsible with their big guns? Infact, they are continuously into arm-twisting sovereign states, militarily, diplomatically and otherwise.
Hogwash and double hogwash. Just because India is a democracy does not mean that it has to remain in lockstep with the U.S. priorities, preferences and desires. They're a sovreign nation, aren't they? Since when was the US a leader in morality? Certainly not in the past twelve years. The US never does anything vis a vis foreign policy if it is not in its own direct self-interest, why should India be any different? And why should ANYONE support Israel. As a nation it's a spoiled rotten brat that thinks the world owes it everything.
I thought Mr. Fareed Zakaria was good journalist .... untill now. This is one of the crappiest piece of political analysis that I have ever read.
I need an interpreter to understand what Fareed Zakeria is saying. There is a reason CNNs ratings are down
I am an Indian American who voted for Obama in 2008 and until a few days ago remained his steadfast supporter. But, I am NOT willing to RISK voting for Obama again (a decision I made a day ago), and here are my reasons:
a) His weighing in on the FL killing case
b) Black Muslim leader of the Panthers Party joining in the fight threatening violence
c) Obama's disregard for Israel's and probably America's own security
d) Obama telling Russian president that he will have greater flexibility in his 2nd term (given that he has no more elections to fight)
e) His half hearted efforts at stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear capability (if NOT nuclear weapons)
f) His refusal to take on Jihadist Pakistan with its self declared Islamic bomb threatening the entire free world
g) His creation of a cell to induct more Muslims into sensitive areas such as NASA
h) His sacrificing our trusted allies in the Muslim world in favor of dubious radical leaning regimes, and MOST IMPORTANTLY
i) His coitre of internal and external Islamic advisors led by the rabidly anti-Semite, anti-US, anti-India CNN's Fareed Zakaria (BTW, a former indian like me!), Rashad Hassan, Imam Rauf who are leading him down a blind perilous alley!
I have seen many aspects of such pandering in my former homeland India and am NOT willing to risk that anymore in my and my children's homeland THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD – THE ONE & ONLY AMERICA .....truly the LAST BASTION for freedom in the world!
Amit bhai – you seems like an ABCDEFG – American Based Confused Desi Especially From Gujarat.
You seem very impressed by Apartheid terrorist nation of Israel. Please apply for citizenship and go live there. In case you don't know Jews are no better than the Muslims you hate . Jews are a double whammy. remember they are Whites too. So their contempt is hidden for Hindus coz they want us to use our dislike of Miuslims in their favour.
What Obama is doing, is not a single man ideology or thoughts.
a) FL teen killing, he is asking to find facts and bring them up.
b) Muslims are also humans and have same rights as rest of the world, few are doing something wrong does not mean everyone is wrong.
c) Do you know how many humans Israel kills on yearly basis?
d) Obama is open and clear.
e) Iran getting Nuke or something, was this a concerns for you when Pakistan got it? Because Pakistan is US friend so no issues?
f) Something they have contained from so many years, as it never hurts them but others.
g) Why do Indian government gives reservation to minorities?
h) Israel is ready to pounce, should Obama be so irrational to start another war? Similar to what others did before him?
i) Nations have interest and they decide who is good or bad for them. Zakaria wrote a artical on Pakistan sometime back and all the Indian were yes he is correct and right. Momemt he presented his second view he is anti India.
Greatness about a nation comes from people living in it and their thought. Last 30-40 yrs all US president's have initiated some wars with other countries. Only under Obama they have not and he is trying his best to not start in his term.
About this article, no doubt each nation has its own interests for friends and enemies. But have your own voice and status. One has to take a stand on either side right or wrong.
You idiot, Amit-Atlanta! Do you even know how racist Jewish Talmud is, for citing just one example? it is a complete piece of hate-mogering towards non-Jews be it Chrisians, Muslims, Hindus. Talmud teaches hates to Jews for non-Jews and advocates treating non-Jews as equivalent to animals. And you keep tooting their horn.
Do you know how racist the koran is? It seeks the destruction of everyone who doesn't bow down to Mo's wishes. Jews look like saints when you compare them with Muslims.
There is absolutely no reason for India to take a side, where the sides are defined according to US interests. India will decide its own sides, or lack thereof. Zakaria is descending into the Bush level "you are either with us or against us" rhetoric. Um.. no, I am neither with you nor against you.
It's a shame to see the hate many people express in these forums (with due respect to few sane ones), regardless of their nationality and POV. Nations have their own interests to look after. America needs to play nice with Pakistan despite all their reservations and India needs to play nice with some countries despite their reservations. It's realpolitik that cannot be avoided. Regardless what some clowns say on these forums, things will go on. So be at just chill
Indian foreign policy has exactly two chapters. Chapter 1: Pakistan. Chapter 2: China. It is still better than America's. Otherwise, why are they so unlucky with friends. Its uncanny how many times they have had their bottoms bitten by old friends turned enemies.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3251886.ece
What are we 12? Yea.....there is such a thing as freinds in politics. Each does what is best for them and the chips fall where they fall. Buying oil from Iran is not gonna keep the good ole USA from exploiting cheap labor and a new market to sell their goods.
Fareed is a clown spewing opinion. Typical Indian who thinks he knows more than he does. The world is ugly. Wars are fought for money/oil/military position...etc. Not human welfare. The fact India has not stepped it up in the foreign policy arena has no meaning.
Isreal is important for the USA because of their location in the World and because their wealth and voting power in the USA. Read a little and use common sense. They will take care of Iran when the USA ok's it.
Defenseless Zakaria had to admit India’s dishonesty, which is not new, by the way. Not only India is disloyal and unreliable, it also owns a strong account of exporting terror to its neighbors. It is Pakistan’s connection with Taliwan, OBL, Afgan war etc that hid India’s history of treacherous acts in the smaller nations of South Asia.
Disloyalty? The Last time I checked India hasn’t sworn fealty to any foreign nation to be “disloyal”! India has and always will be guided by its own self-interests – as every nation should! The so called “smaller nations” in South Asia have only themselves to blame for their current situations because none of them have bothered to emulate India’s principles of democracy, secularism or even liberty much to their detriment today. Blaming India for their problems is their “excuse” for their own incompetence.
You could be a concerned one for India. However, how concerned are you, as your response did not suggest the information you have reflects your concern for the people living there.
India has a higher proportion of poor than other smaller nations of South Asia, with the situation of a widening gap between rich and poor that is coming out in the form of protest, which the political commentators of India are mistaking as the movement against corruption.
The region where India was founded in 1947 is not the region lacking the culture of reading, learning, and serving people. What is even more interesting is that India was exposed to the education of market and modern science in the 1800s along with the warnings of theories of Malthus and Marx. Yet, it is failing to work accordingly.
Is it failing because it is failing to overcome the custom of anthropolatry and sycophancy that is visible in every aspect of life there!
What is your agenda Mr. Spell it out... India hiding in the shadow of Pakistan militancy – that is just to say that India does not contribute to militancy. Only small things can hide under big things. So if a country of the size of India is able to hide its bad actions in relation to that of Pakistan, it must not be doing that much bad.
You seem to be hiding something – something that hurt you somewhere or something someone brainwashed you about – take it out and heal yourself.
India has the right to buy oil from any country. We do remember how US bailed out on latin america in the decades gone bye. in any case, your article is not going to reach the deaf ears of the Govt running the show in New Delhi.
Europe was buying oil from Libya. US still does from repressive regimes like UAE. Iran is not nearly as bad a government as any of these – although it is pretty repressive as well. Iran is now a Shia muslim state, India and Iran have a long shared culture prior to spread of barbaric and tribal Islam. USA is interested in punishing Iran not because it is repressive but because it is becoming a threat to Israel. That is not India's problem – India can think of helping USA when USA thinks about helping India. What was USA doing when Taliban was carrying out its attacks against India. If they had dones semething about it, it might have prevented so many innocent lives lost during 9/11.
You think 14 miiilon can force 1.2 billion to decide who they should be friends with ? When some nations will learn mutual res pect. This arrogance has earned us so many enemies. 1.3 billion Muslims hate us, 1.3 billion Chinese donot like us, 300 million Russians are not fond of us and 1.2 billion Indians are trying to be neutral. This dirty policy of pitting Taiwan against China, Pakistan against India and Ukraine against Russia is doomed to fail. Everyone knows who controls CNN and what propaganda this network wants to spread. Who pays CNN to do the propaganda in favor of Israel?
Unfortunately, the world is measured in dollars not people. Every person is also approximated to a dollar term. As long as you have dollars, you will be able to negotiate.
I am surprised, Fareed. So India HAS to do what US/Israehell want? Last I checked India is the largest democracy.
They are looking out for their best interest. Their booming economy is hungry for oil and Iran has oil. Why shouldn't they buy it? What consequences will it have for them that is worse than hunger, poverty and disease that access to energy resources will help them eradicate. I suggest we follow their example and try to get along with everybody. Frankly, some of the language that is used when talking about the Iranian Government is very threatening. Talking about making different choices. How about making a few different choices ourselves.
Do not threaten sovereign nations...donot spread hatred, donot pit one nation against others..try to be friends will all. This is the whole torah rest is explanation. I am a Sane Jew or a wise american...and Fareed Kid...I say India has right to choose its own foreign policy. Thats it. No hypocricy...no support for Paki dictators because these snakes are coming to bite the ones who have been feeding them F 16s and other weapons.
Please go and preach to American Jewish Committee and your AIPAC and various Jewish organization who just a few months back have been pestering India to severe all ties with Iran. Google Times of India and American Jewish pressure and you'll see.
What right do American Jewish organizations have to be lecturing India, a Sovereign nation ?
Right now in your post you look like like snake. Jews feed off of US but care more for Israel sitting in America. That's why US has wars all over for your Israel. Guys like you are aptly called Israel-Firsters.
Perhaps if you can see past your own bias against Jews for a second, you will see that “SaneJew” isn’t advocating India be pressured into anything – the same thing you seem to be saying!
I wonder where see my "bias against Jews" ? All I am saying is American Jewish organisations have no right to involve India in their fights just the way they have have been dragging whole US into Israel's wars. Iraq war was based on false 'evidence' provided by Mossad and now, ofcourse, it is clear that Israel/AIPAC want US to attack Iran at America's expense.
And yuu think Hinduism is peaceful – Dharma Yudhha means Holy war – you Mhabharata is based on it- u think Buddhism is peaceful. There are Buddhist terrorist killing people as well as we talk
You must be Idiot – first class. Dharma Yudha mean a war fought to protect dharma. Dharma means – right conduct. Strictly, it means right conduct – not organized religion or sect. Mahabharat was fought as a compulsion not as a pre-emtive strike. And even that caused lots of collateral damage.
Buddhist are some of the most peaceful people – that's why they suffer in Tibet. You must be awared a gold medal in stupidity and ignorance.
let me tell why india is frnds with everi1. when india told USA that we need to control the terrorists. USA said its not on us why should we do aniffing. USA did the opposite and helped terrorists n pakistan. Wen terrorist did 911 n it came to USA den thy thought that india was rite. we should had done smth. india was always nice to everybody. india does;t strt anilin until thy had too. thy try to solve it in piece . nothing can't be solved in anger. we r neutral in everiffin
Why India should take orders from any other country? Does Israel or USA take orders from other countries? Whats wrong with being friends with all nations? Why you want to spread your hateful ideology where you create wars in the pretext of fake scare of nukes? LIve and let live. Who said..I guess it was Gandhi. If you have nukes..others have right to have nukes too. Thats democracy and equality. Isn't it?
Iran must have nukes. India balances Pakistan. USSR used to balance US. But now with USSR gone, US has become a Mafia state vis-à-vis its Foreign Policy.
Israel has 300+ nukes so Iran must have some.
In last few years US/Israel have shown that they are highly irresponsible and had Iraq war based on false premise. So don't get me started about Iran being irresponsible. Who was the first to drop an atom bomb? Definitely not Iran. Iran has never attacked any country in a couple of centuries.
its all nonsense. Common friends and Common enemies ? USA gives aid to Pakistan Army, treats them as their loyal friends. Down side Pakistan is a major exporter of terrorism to India , Afghanistan and the world. So whats the big deal in India maintaining their relationship with IRAN when US is a friend to Pakistan. Zakaria could you please stop blogging?
Fareed Zakaria has to be the greatest bigot on CNN. The only reason he's there is to throw insults at Pakistan while asserting and propping up his country of India. Seriously CNN, this guy has some racist issues, what in the world where you thinking when you hired him? And Pakistan-Taliban axis? Please. If you had half a brain you would know that Pakistan is the greatest non-NATO ally of the United States. Pakistan has shed bled to put down these faithless insurgents who use and tarnish religion as an excuse. Zakaria once again goes on and sputters out heinous lies to decieve us all.
Saying Pakistan is a victim of terrorism is like the suicide bomber claiming that he is the victim of his suicide jacket!
And several times that is the case. These insurgents kidnap innocent children and force them into suicide vests. The majority of such attacks have not been done my those inciting the terrorism, but rather by those who have been kidnapped.
He is not racist, he often critics Pakistan, yes of-course, who doesn't ?? tell me.. Except China and some rogue countries no one supports Pakistan. A country where 90% of the people believes OSAMA is a hero and Taliban is god created army. Any terror attack anywhere in the world has roots to Pakistan.
My answer to Fareed will be if USA can take sides between India and Pakistan, India will take sides with Iran and USA.
Good luck Fareed; Obama will definitely reward you with foreign secretory job.
90% of population supports Osama? What nonsense is that? Where exactly did you get those statistics? Please provide me with sources. It is one thing to slander a nation, but quite another thing to conjure up false facts and lies about it. These terrorist have no religion. They brainwash and use whoever they can. They use religion as a poor excuse. All terror has roots in Pakistan? Once again a futile statement that has no support to back it. Please think before you release these atrocitic lies.
Pakistan greatest non NATO US ally??Dont let the navy seals who found OBL in your backyard protected by ISI and pak army hear that...Pakistan is a threat...To India, US and pretty much everything non muslim
Seroulsy shawn, bin Laden protected by the ISI? Get a grip on reality before you go troll your hate in these forums. The pakistani army has given lives to put these terrorists down. Your statements are completely devoid of any support and are unbeleivably shallow. I feel sorry for you...
A few weeks back Fareed wrote an article asking Israel not to attack Iran and I think Fareed got a beating from his Jew masters for that so he wrote this article to goad India into backing Israelihell and US.
The US needs India's backing? For what? Their Naval superiority?
Every nation acts in its own interest – including US..... India does not have to take your orders. We are an independent nation and we know where our national interests are, so don't preach us about what to do.
You are correct, every nation does act in it's own interests. The thing to keep in mind is that the wealth fed to your country by the US is a huge interest. Buying oil from Iran will not jeopardize that but continuous thumbing of your noses in the direction of western interests will. At that point, you really will need cheap oil as your country will return to the dark ages that it is starting to emerge from.
Then should we not stop trading with IRAN ourselves? We export millions of tons of wheat every year to that evil country Iran.
Being testy are we?? You do not seem to have a grip on reality if you feel that India is coming out of "Dark ages" with western wealth. If you typed this post from a computer in your Sanitarium, I have nothing to say to you. But if you happen to be in your senses when you typed in this dribble, I feel a mix of pity and sadness for you. First of all, India is not at all dependent on foreign investment in returning out from "dark ages" or whatever you meant by it, you might have had the picture of failed states like Pakistan, Sudan etc on your mind when you conjured your "brilliant" idea. Western nations invest in India not due to charity but because the ROI makes western executives salivate and get longer lasting hard-ons (than stimulated by viagara). India as a sovereign country has a right to its independent foreign policy and no other country or power has any business in meddling with it. After all, USA is no stranger when it comes to being pally with despots,millitary dictators and various sorts of evil men/women if it suited their interests. And why this hullabaloo about sanctions and all, we all know where this is heading anyway, lets get to the main course already, a full scale war with another mid-eastern country purported to have/getting WMDs. It worked so well with Iraq!! (PS: I am being sarcastic in my last couple lines, just in case you were thick headed and did not get it, Peace)
This suggestion is definitely misplaced. I can understand why America doesn't agree with Iran on their behavior. I can also understand that it is the role of large democratic nations to work together towards a common goal and against common threats. However, what America perceives as a threat may not necessarily be a threat to India and vice versa. How can Americans including Mr. Zakaria expect India to "stand up" and not deal with Iran, when America hasn't had the leadership to do the same with Pakistan? In fact, Pakistan has promoted more terrorist activities and has been a larger threat to India than Iran has ever been to America. Why doesn't America ever "stand up" when it comes to that particular issue? The answer is simple: everyone acts in their best interest and nobody gets special treatment.
Do you think American Foreign Policy is always consistent and not to its self interests. I am not defending India...But pl. remember American Foreign Policy changed many times – initially when they supported Taliban and now against it..Also India is far better than China and being a developing economy, it cannot always align with the West..Zakaria..Pl. do'nt loose the credibility in your writings without looking at both sides..
Does anyone really think this guy speaks for the US govt? Who cares what Zacharia preaches. He's a clown who rarely makes a valid point. Is the US happy India is bypassing sanctions? Probably not. Does it mean anything more than that? Probably not.
Fareed, do you think a nation with a culture that teaches people to walk right past a suffering beggar wallowing on the roadside, shrug and say 'Must be his bad karma' is going to become internationally responsible in your lifetime? Sheesh. Fat chance.
Walking past a “suffering beggar wallowing in the street” is better than sending our poor to serve as cannon fodder and fight endless wars in foreign countries for the benefit of corporations and the wealthy as is the “culture” in your country. Tell me, how many Fortune 500 CEOs kids serve in the military? A rapacious culture that has made a virtue out of exploitation, greed and consumption is in no position to judge anybody! The West or America does not holds the standard for “responsible” foreign policy when you have only intervened in “profitable” causes while things like Dafur, Somalia etc all escape the American “outrage”.
Karma or “consequence of actions” is as true in Hinduism as it is true in Christianity where there are hundreds of references to sowing and reaping. Further, the bad Karma of another individual has nothing to do with one helping or not helping them as acting to prevent suffering ultimately reflects on the Karma of the actor not the sufferer.
It is sad that being so deep in ignorance you spew such ridiculous rubbish and that is YOUR Karma!
Agreed India has very few diplomats... the vast diaspora in leadership positions across the world double up as diplomats. so to speak. is it a way of free market diplomacy
Yes they need to be more like the Americans and run around the world killing people.
Fact is, the world's problems aren't our problems. We have our own problems with massive poverty and a growing society/economy. I don't think we as Indians should urge our country to dictate others when we have our own problems to work on. For the future, I hope my country stays out of pointless world's events (wars, sanctions, etc.) and dedicates itself to helping Indians first. As far as Iran goes, they haven't harmed us, so why should we harm them? If the USA has a problem with them, it's the USA + Israel's war, not ours. I don't find the point in the war in Afghanistan, Iraq alone, nor do I find the logic in the increased hostility on both sides in the issue of Iran. We're all humans, and we face identical challenges in all societies. Why harm innocent civilians/soldiers over minor political disputes? Stop worrying about the other power and fix your own countries– I can assure you that neither Iran, America, or Israel are perfect. You know, if the world dedicated as much effort on helping suffering people all around the world (Syria, Africa, etc.) as it did on war, the world would be a better place. As Indians, let's set an example for this and dedicate our resources to growth and peace, not war and dispute.
India's government officials are so embroiled and concentrated in corruption, I dont see how we can expect India to be too interested in foreign affairs.
The recent revelation, a few days ago, by India's Defence Minister – on massive corruption in the Army – is one typical example .
Mr Zakaria,
As much as I enjoy watching your GPS, I disagree with your take on this one.
For a well versed journalist like yourself, I'd expect little more research and perspective before jumping to conclusion that is unconvincing at best. You have to stop thinking in terms of bipolar world where every country in the world has to choose between "For US" and "Against US". Don't forget how the current form of governance was setup in Iran...and just because it does not work in favor of US anymore does not mean everyone else in the world should sever ties with that country. You should've known better.
Having said that, I must clarify that I am, by no means, in favor of any country attacking any other country in the world. We have to practice peaceful coexistence. But the conclusion derived by you is simply annoying.
You right spot on. Indian first prime minister had proclaimed India as a proud third world nation not because of its poverty but because of it's non alliance with 1st world Capitalist and the 2nd world Communist. Third world nations concept is used in the sense of third class which a complete ignorance and arrogance.
zakaria writes articles to please the americans and expects india to do the same otherwise he thinks that his job will be on the line.india will continue to do what is best for her, india does not need zakaria`s advise to run its foreign policy.zakaria`s foreign policy analysis are dumb he should maybe focus on writing about the local politics or south Asian sports or maybe bollywood or join as a weatherman in some radio station.
India and Iran have been friendly since long before the USA existed. The ties that bind us are strong and rooted deep in culture and history. Given the history of American and Israeli conflicts with almost everyone in the Arab world, it is no surprise to see coordinated sanctions. Its typical divide and rule approach. Its much like social boycott in Indian villages, a collective decision imposed by a group of powerful people. If India wants to stay friends with Iran, that itself is a stand. We are an independent nation capable of judging who we want to be friends with. Why is the author trying to push the American view and American interest as some universal good? Maybe we are in no mood to sponsor or support American military aggression in foreign lands.
Yes, India is nowhere when it comes to International politics & problems. WIth the kinda policies Indian pursued, India has all neighbors as enemies, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Srilanka. China is using India's this stance. India should try to look in all problems of neighbors, try to resolve them make them good friends. But Indian politicians are just happy, confortable & busy in making money from India Inc. They cant look beyond this. And Indian public who is as always slept. They also mainly busy in making money. This is truth that India is sleeping. Only corruption is awake in India.
I think India is actually country of slaves, given us chance to stand on our own, we are more busy in maing money, let it be politicians or public. And actually I think if British were ruling India, this country would have been different, more advanced, modern. RIght now also we dont enjoy freedom, Our Sansad is full of couurupt people run by outsider, so called Yuvraj is just all knew, big failure. No opposition.
What can you expect from such a corrupt nation? no responsibility, no long term future (unless sm1 comes & rules us again)
ABout US & Israel, our views are diff. We need oil from Iran so we will buy it. America (nation against terrorism) is directly & indirectly supporting Pakistan, funding them, giving weapons which they are using against us. So, indirectly US is also promoting terrorism. Pakistan being the mother & real supporter of Terrorism, US is not doing anything against such country. They are more interested in oil, mines & their supremecy.
Why should India be part of their policies. US stop aiding Pakistan & declare it as terror country. India will definately do everything to fight against terror.
About Iran, Iran has never supported India, in UN or nowhere, so identically India should also not support htis country. We need oil from them & they need money from us. Relation should be limited to this only.
ISrael being India's friend we should rather support Israel. if there is actual threat to Israel, India should do whatever it takes to help this friend.
I guess now the time has come when we should decide which side we are, US Israel , Europe or Russia, China, Iran.
ISrael/US is goanna attack in Iran, and this goanna be the start of world war 3 which is goanna spread over all world & India need to defend themselves in this situation. India need to take a stance now only. But am sure our politicians are busy in something else. India needs to be responsible, energetic & decisive.
I know my points are little confusing, but thats how the International Politics is I guess.
Rise India show the world you are actually Incredible India.
Israel is not India's friend. Israel uses Hindutva's hatred of Muslims to Israel's advantage. Ask any non-jew American and they'll tell u how Israel/Jews use America and American tax-dollars and American lives. Israel/Jews have allegiance only to Israel and no one else. They would sell Obama, thomas Jeferson, Jesus Christ's mother for Israel. Please do not be misled.
The biggest reason that India supports Iran is to ensure that the Congress government does not lose the muslim vote in the country. Its at a significant 17% and growing every year.. Who cares about US or Russia. All India ( Read Indian politicians, the congress party are bothered about are staying in power and the money they can loot)
So if they didn't care about Muslim votes, they would have fought with Iran? Did you even go to high school? Please do not make a fool of yourself by typing up juvenile stuff.
Prashant; your statements are very simplistic. Not all 17% of Indian Muslims care (or don't care) for Iran because it is a Muslim state. They are concerned, just like a lot of Hindus are about the injustice, threats & hatred spewed by Israel/US at Iran on almost daily basis.
Fareed – I believe you are dead wrong in this article. India has its own integrity and we do not need to "ape the west" as they say.
I see Humanity has no hope, with so many stupid people in this world, that fight over anything just because they think they are right and the others are wrong all the time. god has to come back again and start from scratch may Jews and Muslims will be let out of the equation and probably will be the same BS with a new twist.
I am surprised Indians are not supporting US of A after what we have done for them. Remember, it was The British Empire that brought the modern civil society to the Asian Subcontinent. The British brought you the academic systems, the rail roads, the textile industry, the modern medicine, the Governement Civic infrastructure, the basic way of dealing with Modern Day Society. the gall of Indians to now turn their backs in our time of need. The Judeo/Christian civil infrastructure provides the Asian Subcontinent, The Africas and the MidEast the modern framework of living standards – without which Indian would still be roaming the jungles in loincloths as snake charmers, sheperds and their astrological mumbo jumbo.
WHAT HAS INDIA LOST (FOR EVER) BY NOT LOOKING AFTER ITS OWN INTERESTS:
Some one here mentioned that whatever India does is in its self interest. On the contrary whatever India has done has been to pamper the Muslims in India, and its self imposed concept of what's right. Had India done things that were in its self interest India would have been a MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY & A REAL SUPER POWER (Mid Sized). All this could have happened if ONLY India had been a STRONG US ALLY from the 50’s or even 60’s onwards.
I tried posting the entire response, but that's being censored. I will try to post it in parts....let's see.
a) During the cold war India would have been an ally of the US and NOT Russia, or been a leader of the non-aligned movement. A reality that has kept US companies from investing heavily in India even today.
b) India would have been by now a true technological, scientific, political super power and a medium income country rather than a third world country as it is now.
Most countries who have been a US ally incl. those having barbaric dictatorships (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, S.Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, etc.) have prospered through NOT only liberal US aid, but by US companies setting up manufacturing there, ready access to loans, huge inflow of big spending American tourists etc. No wonder even today India lags behind even tiny nations on EVERY ONE of these factors.
Remember, IT and BPO are recent trends and have impacted just a miniscule % of Indians, and those jobs have come to India ONLY b'coz of the talent and inspite of the Govt. It’s only now that central & state govts. (of just a few states) are doing something to help in that area.
c) India could have taken back the 2/3rds of Kashmir in Pakistani hands decades ago. We also could have neutralized the DEMOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE of MUSLIMS in the Kashmir valley by abrogating Article 370. The US would have turned a blind eye to everything we do did. In short THERE WOULD BE NO KASHMIR PROBLEM TODAY.
d) Pakistan would have been reduced to a state much worse than what they are today and there would be much less TERRORIST problem from across the border and also from their brethren within India than we have today
d) India could have controlled its burgeoning population (more so the Muslim population) and many more millions of Indians would have been living in the west than today bringing in 100's of billions in scare foreign exchange that India needed for its oil imports etc.
e) India would have supported the JUST cause of the Jewish people rather than the INVENTED Palestinian Muslims who are in reality JORDANIAN and other Arabs conspiring to repeat a second holocaust of the Jewish people.
f) India and Indians would have greater respect in the Gulf countries with more & better paying jobs. The Gulf countries care two hoots on your support for Israel, or the way we treat our Muslim minorities as long we are rich & powerful.
g) India would NOT have been dictated by smaller countries surrounding us as it so often happens with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, Maldives, etc. As a result of our weaknesses and stupid policies ABHORINGLY even Hindu Nepal is in league with MUSLIM Pakistan to undermine Hindu majority India.
g) India would have been a significant exporter of arms (at least to the African, and third world countries) during the 60's, 70's & 80's when there was a massive demand for cheap smaller arms with these countries involved in numerous internal & external wars/strifes.
i) India could have easily tamed the demons of linguistic, religious, casteist, regional forces tearing the country apart if the people had a decent chance of building their own lives.
Amit you have OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as someone said before. Your posts are so idiotic that it would be completely a waste of time if some sane person responds in full to you.
However, your statement "Arabs conspiring to repeat a second holocaust of the Jewish people." is like saying BJP/RSS/Hindutva/ Narendra Modi are all salivating to annihilate all 17% of Muslims in India.
You are a pathetic excuse of a human being. All you do ever is spew hatred of Muslims. Never seen any bigoted, hate-filled person like you.
Deear friend AliasTVSerial:
I said " India would have been a truly secular, democratic republic with equal rights to all Indians"
And, you said:
"You are a pathetic excuse of a human being. All you do ever is spew hatred of Muslims. Never seen any bigoted, hate-filled person like you."
SO BE IT.............
BTW, I see that you indeed read all my posts!
j) India would have been a truly secular, democratic republic with equal rights to all Indians, following a common Indian law and no pampering of one group over the other – Muslim Law, Subsidizing Haj travel, funding Mosques & Madarasas, universities like Jamia Milia etc.
k) India could have controlled the TSUNAMI of Muslims from Bangladesh relegating border states like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and later UP etc. to Muslim majority states in a matter of decades, eventually losing it to Muslim Bangladesh.
The list goes on & on & on.
Mr. Amit, Do you really live in the USA? R U Retired? Is the internet your passion? Out of the 400+ people who have commented on this forum U seem to have the greatest amount of time on hand for posting comments. Be careful CNN might charge you. They can track you down through your SMTP.
CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
Oh! By the way, they also know your social security number!!
Dear Amit;
Seems you really don't care much about India or even Israel as your ramblings are incoherent and illogical without much basis in correctness. However, one thing is crystal clear. You hate Muslims. And you seem to enjoy the fact that some Israel/Jews share the same feelings as you do. Anyways, keep wallowing in your hatred.
Dear Friend Neel Herbman:
Firstly I live in the GREATEST NATION ON EARTH – THE US- NOT in an medieval ISLAMIC REPUBLIC ruled by Sharia, and I am deeply aware of my rights & responsibilities and also how to protect myself.....legally.
Secondly, have you heard of FACEBOOK?
It's not just that he hates Muslims- he wants India to join Israel in massacring Muslims. Fortunately, not all politicians are as ruthless as this Amit joker. I hear even Narendra Modi has realised his ways and is pandering to some Mulsims nowadays.
Dear Friend American Muslim:
Have you heard of the "WAR ON TERROR?
At least as it is fought in the US,India, Russia, Europe, Nigeria, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, Israel........ and lastly even PAKISTAN !!!!
Are you aware of why countries are spending TRILLIONS OF $ on:
a) War on terror, against Nuclear Weapons proliferation (by a SELECT group of countries!)
b) Security (Airports, train stations, ports etc.) security
c) Surveillence over entire communities, their publications, their meeting places, as well as their places of worship
d) Have you ever heard of 9/11, 26/11, 7/7 ?
d) Are the people who are doing these ALL LIKE ME or is there a DEFINITE REASON BEHIND IT?
Can you answer all these questions for other readers please?
It still boils down to this fact – that widespread corruption is tying the hands of India's members of parliament and ministers. So, it's more lucrative (and provides cover) to be friendly with everyone who has a business with the Indian Government. And this includes Iran and Syria.
This is one typical example why Indian Government officials hands are tied and their lack of interest in international affairs –
120 of India's 522 parliament members were facing criminal charges. Many of the biggest scandals since 2010 have involved very high levels of government, including Cabinet Ministers and Chief Ministers, such as in the 2G spectrum scam, the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam and the Adarsh Housing Society scam, mining scandal in Karnataka and cash for vote scam.
It will take a book to record this India's culture of corruption in their business dealings – whether its internal or external trade, whether its oil imports or building public infrastructures locally, corruption will be present.
So if I'm visiting India, I will try not to walk under or on a newly constructed bridge.
Well Said!
The greatest problem with India is the massive #s of ignorant masses who are swayed by personalities, and who can't see an issue much beyond their home, neighborhood or city.
While the educated, middle class people can make all the right noises they can't vote out these thugs.
There also is a much bigger cultural issue especially with the neo-rich who are happy making big bucks working for IT & BPO companies but care two hoots about the rest of their unfortunate brethren and the direction the country is taking.
And while corruption in India is universal with all religious, linguistic groups represented MUSLIMS CLAIM AN UNDUE SHARE AMONG THE MOST CORRUPT & CRIMINAL POLITICIANS of India. Just do a google check on "Politicians and crime in India" w/o even mentioning the word "MUSLIM" and see how many Muslim names come up and check out their details on Wikipedia!
You speak too much. If you have really what it takes why have you run away to US?. Go live in India and make the changes. You are the biggest hypocrite and a coward.
He probably ran away because it became too much for him to deal with how corrupt Indian politics has become. Law enforcement is next to non-existent. No one moves across countries without a good reason.
Muslim minorities protest when a muslim terrorist is sentenced to death. Sikhs protest when a sikh terrorist is sentenced to death. And congress government caters to minorities to keep a handful of votes they get these days.
@ Kavita Gunaji. I am East-Indian and we were friends in Kuwait.Facebook me. It is clear you were hurt deeply.I don't want to see us go to war with Iran.Gandhi and Rev. Martin Luther King, were much against the military industrial complex.Small world!!!
India does have a tryst with destiny and it neither for the oil coveting superpowers to dictate, nor does India give a damn about what Fareed Zakaria parrots.
Well said Amit (Atlanta). Aman Singh – you should study comparative religion and how religions come into existence from sects. Even in modern times, in Hindu families, elder son keeps turban. There are millions of families that are part Sikh and part Hindu. In fact also part Sikh and part Muslim and some even part Hindu and part Muslim as those left behind in Pakistan were coerced into becoming Muslim (just to be able to survive).
Like Amit said, problem of law and order is not specific to Sikhs – although that pains you a lot for obvious reasons. Indian law enforcement is horrific and lots of criminals do not get prosecuted and penalized. It is not Indian army it is Indian corrupt society and you and me have some responsibility towards that as well. So, please try to broaden your perpective to humanity – among other things it will make you a better sikh as well – which I believe is something you do value. Thanks for sharing your pain. I feel it as much. Best.
Zahid, Most of the Muslims in India and Pakistan are descendents of Muslims who were forced to change their religion. Honestly – their religion and its views are punishments enough for them. I do not think any government can do worse to them than they do to themselves. Living in so much hate/intolerance and anger is lifelong punishment. If you can't see that, not your fault – you have been brainwashed by your belief. Some day when Islam practices reason and logic as it used to do during its prime, things might change for you and those who suffer because of this primitive and barbaric belief system.
Well Said!
Here's something that bodes well with your comments on Islam.
I wrote the following on Mr. Zakaria's CNN GPS column May 12th, 2011
The one & only way the Kashmir problem can be solved is by abrogating Article 370, make huge investments in labor intensive industry there ( a la MARSHALL PLAN) , and allow large # of Indians to migrate there to DILUTE THEIR MUSLIM MAJORITY. If that’s done, the Kashmir problem can be solved in a matter of years, something that former PM Indira Gandhi & subsequent govts must have long done. Let Pakistan keep its part of Kashmir, and China keep its portion that were gifted by Pak, we don’t need them (or we will seize them once Pakistan is DISMEMBERED per US-Israeli-Indian plan!).
WHAT HAS ISLAMIZATION DONE TO KASMIR?
Even though the MUSLIMS & HINDUS of Kashmir are related by blood coming from the same stock, and had been AMONGST THE BRIGHTEST PEOPLE OF INDIA, ever since the onslaught of Islam, Kashmiri Muslims overtaken by medieval Islamic fervor (like their BRETHREN ALL OVER THE WORLD) have now become amongst the MOST WORTHLESS OF PEOPLES!
No wonder KASHMIRI HINDUS who formed JUST ABOUT 2% of the Kashmiri population took away 86% OF CIVIL SERVICE JOBS!!!!!!! The MAJORITY MUSLIMS (AGAIN LIKE THEIR BRETHERN ALL OVER THE WORLD) were confined to menial jobs, and HAND-OUTS from India. With the Hindus all but gone from Kashmir, more than 95% of the state budget comes as GRANTS from India, while for the rest of the Indian states, that figure is barely 15-20%!!!!
HISTORY OF KASMIR:
Here's some history of Kashmir.
a)Kashmir was more deep rooted in Hinduism than even the rest of India for 1000's of years, until repeated Islamic conquests. So, all of today's Kashmiri Muslims are converts!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmiri_Pandit
b) ADVENT OF ISLAM – PARADISE LOST ( 7 EXODUSES OF KASHMIRI PANDITS)
http://ikashmir.net/exodus/chapter2.html
c) Some more Info on Kashmiri Pandits
http://www.kashmir-information.com/Kilam/chapter4.html
WHO ARE THE KASHMIRI MILITANTS?
d) KASHMIRI MILITANTS – WHO ARE THEY – BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1719612.stm
" Muslims who were forced to change their religion. ".. Really???? They were not forced they were willing conversions as well. Force never works. i might force you to convert and you may say that you converted on my face but God knows that u don't believe in your heart so that "force to change religion" theory is hogwash – even if some may have or have not practised.
Let's see – Mexicans became christians because they felt love for Jesus. Parsi in Iran became muslim because they realized their love for murderous islam – some of them barely survived and made it to India and practice their religion/what is left of it – freely. Buddhist in Afganistan found new love for Islam and destroyed all their Bhuddha statues. Seems like lots of people finding love for those who plunder them and convert to their religion. Seriously, you even lack a functioning brain to reason – all you got is hard wired circuits at this stage of your life. Not much can get into it.
Dear Friend Neel Hebrman:
Let me tell you this. Yes, I love America and am mighty proud of being an American today.
Having said that I love India too being born there and having spent a major part of my life there.
In fact in a recent article from Mr. Zakaria calling for naturalized Americans to be allowed to be President I wrote back saying that I (and for that matter any other naturalized American) can't do justice to that position as OUR LOYALTIES REMAIN DIVIDED.
And, as always the purpose of that article was Mr. Zakaria dream of America being taken over by an Islamic supporter like himself.
Hope that explains!
You are such an annoying pest! Do you even read what you write ?. You look like a fool.
you write, "the purpose of that article was Mr. Zakaria dream of America being taken over by an Islamic supporter like himself."
Give us one sentence where Fareed has written about his dream of Americ being taken over by Islam.
It maybe your right to hate Fareed and Islam but just stop lying and spouting nonsense on public forum.
Instead of building bridges people like Amit keep polarizing societies and cultures.
So you do read my posts !!!!!
If the United States is both a friend of Pakistan and India.....
Then India can be a friend of both the United States as well as Iran.
That's only fair.
Pakistan has supported terror as blatantly as Iran has in the past while the US was still supporting them, and the US has bought oil and done other business with its own fair share of brutal dictatorships over the years. And randomindia has a very good point: Why's it OK for the US to be friends with both India to Pakistan to the ire of both of those countries but not for India to be with the US and Iran? Even Zakaria is turning a blind eye to these blatant double-standards now.
Shaima Alawadi: Iraqi Muslim Woman Severely Beaten, Note Near Her Body Read, “Go back to your own country. You’re a terrorist.”
A hijab wearing Iraqi woman has been severely beaten and is not expected to recover from a violent attack on her inside of her home near San Diego.
Apparently this was a premeditated attack. A similar note to the one found by Shaima Alawadi’s body was found by the Alawadi family earlier this month, but the family dismissed it as a “prank.”
USAToday reports:
A family friend, Sura Alzaidy, told the newspaper UT San Diego that the attack apparently occurred after the father took the younger children to school.
Was someone scoping the house out before the attack, waiting for an opportune moment to strike?
A woman’s life has most likely been taken as she is not expected to survive the gruesome attack. What motivated this individual to do something so grisly? If what Alzaidy told the newspaper is true, and we see no reason why it wouldn’t be, clearly we are witnessing an attack motivated by hatred and bigotry.
Islamophobes will try and claim another Muslim did this, but how then do they explain the note?
Any hate crime is deplorable, that includes the killing of Shaima Alawadi, if it indeed was a hate crime, and NOT a honor killing or some such thing with racist language scribbled to mislead the police.
Having said that, we see some Muslims taking advantage of the melee- Louis Farrakan (Nation of Islam), Najee Muhammed (Black Panthers party), and also Muslim Americans comparing Trayvon's hoodie with the Hijab and equating that to perceived racial bias.
If you check out "Shooting of Trayvon Martin" on wikipedia there is a link to Shaima Alawadi !!!
Sooner or later we will see our own Islamic supporter Mr. FAREED ZAKARIA also jump in with similar parallels to show Americans and America in a poor light.....something that he has been doing for a long time.
It's dangeorus to let these people JOIN FORCES TO MISLEAD NAIVE AMERICANS!
India should stand up and help West kill the Iranian children through sanctions just like the western countries killed Iraqi children through sanction before Bush Jr attacked Iraq.Stand up India and help west kill innocent people in Iran.
India has become a dinosaur. A Smithsonian specimen. Like humpty dumpty even the USA and Israel is having a tough time holding it together. Living in the shadows of China, defined by Pakistan, haunted by Kashmir and punctuated by Bangladesh....India is struggling to find a meaning for its existence and a place in the new world order. How can it stand up,Fareed? Certainly not on its feet .....perhaps on its knees to seek redemption for double crossing USA in Iran. Typical of Indian DNA.
CONGRATULATIONS........TRULY WELL SAID!!!!!
If ONLY you had replaced "INDIA" with "PAKISTAN" in your insightful analysis.
Indians should kiss the ground the Americans walk on. After all the they have done for the Indians the least they can do is say thank you my American benefactors. Then put the tail between their dhotis and get outta Iran as fast as they can before the drones come chasing them.
Let Indians decide what they want to kiss or not – if you have nothing better to do, try kissing a donkey's ass in the mean time. Hopefully he kicks you to bring you to sense while you are at it.
When Americans say jump you Indians should say how high, sire. Yours is not to reason why it is but to do or return to barbaric life practicing hinduism.
I will not question that Fareed has honest intentions. however, I think it is unfair to ask India to stand up for democracy. America is the worlds most powerful country. India and China have had a lot of tensions. Will America openly take the side of India vs China? Also, remember that America considers the terrorist state of Pakistan an ally!! If America can be friends with Pakistan and China and India, why cant we be friends with Iran and Israel? Let us also remember that America is also a very close ally of Saudi Arabia!!
This is not an indictment of America, it is only an acceptance of realities in the world. In the last 2 years or so, India-China relations have been on an upward path. The Chinese seem to want friendship with India and India has jumped at the opportunity. India has always had deep ties with the Russians and will continue to do so. And of course, Indians value their alliance with the United States very much.
India is not anti-Western, India is not anti-Chinese or anti-Russian. We are pro-India. We are proud that we do not create problems in this world and we wouldnt have it any other way.
And as a side note to Americans on this board, this current Indian policy is simply an emulation of American policy until 1940. And that model served Americans well, didnt it? The Indian republic is merely 62 years old and needs time to increase its capabilities. Most Indians look forward to the day we can contribute positively to freedom across the world, but that day is not today.
Food for thought. For example, Indians thinking Jews are true friends of Hindus need to just look at how they treat Christians in Israel.
Good point. Orthodox jews with no tolerance will not do any better than fundametalist Islam or for that matter any other fundametalist organization.
And to those of my Pakistani and Indian friends who think that Mr. Zakaria is anti-Pakistan & pro-India, he clearly is NOT, HE IS JUST FERVENTLY PRO-MUSLIM…. at all times!
In that sense he’s staunchly Anti-West (for support to the Jewish nation, intervention in Muslim lands), Anti-India (Kashmir), Anti-Russia (Chechnya) plus perceived discrimination against Muslims being common with all of them… in short he’s Anti-All things non-Islamic!
While he does oppose ALL WEST LEANING ISLAMIC REGIMES, he’s careful NEVER to comment on the people and medieval Islamic societies which elect them in the first place, or directly/indirectly support their regimes’ actions.
On the contrary several forward looking reputed, highly enlightened Pakistani Muslims/columnists themselves (e.g. Irfan Husain, Nadeem Paracha, I A Rehman, Kamran Shafi columnists for Pakistan’s #1 daily Dawn, and Pervez Hoodbhoy) bitterly criticize DECAYING, INTOLERANT, FANATIC Pakistani society and hold them responsible for most of the country’s ills. Just look up Dawn and read any of these enlightened Muslims’ articles be it on Islam, Pakistani/US/Indian societies, treatment of Minorities, Misuse of America’s freedoms by Muslims, Ground Zero Victory Mosque controversy, Muslim corruption/backwardness etc. and you know what’s ailing Islamic societies, in SHARP CONTRAST to the free societies of the West and India.
This is relevant here given the BARRAGE OF ARTICLES Mr.Zakaria has penned directly/indirectly in favor of Islamic Iran's Nuclear program.
Amit-Atlanta,
Well, good for us that YOU ARE NOT a professional journalist like Mr. Fareed Zakaria.
Your writing and logic stinks. And all you have been doing is demeaning Islam and Muslims like an old broken record.
Get something new now.
Fareed – a professional journalist.... is that your attempt at crude humor.
Dear Friend Krm007:
You said:
“India has become a dinosaur. A Smithsonian specimen. Like humpty dumpty even the USA and Israel is having a tough time holding it together. Living in the shadows of China, defined by Pakistan, haunted by Kashmir and punctuated by Bangladesh....India is struggling to find a meaning for its existence and a place in the new world order. How can it stand up,Fareed? Certainly not on its feet .....perhaps on its knees to seek redemption for double crossing USA in Iran. Typical of Indian DNA.”
CONGRATULTATIONS…………..Actually I love it, b’coz it’s 100% factual…..if you do a SIMPLE TRICK…..Replace “INDIA” with “PAKISTAN”
Let’s try:
“Pakistan has become a dinosaur. A Smithsonian specimen. Like humpty dumpty even the USA, its NATO allies, and the entire free world are having a tough time holding it together. Living in the shadows of China, defined by “progressive mighty” India, haunted by Kashmir and punctuated by the “long lost” Bangladesh....Pakistan is struggling to find a meaning for its existence and a place in the new world order. How can it stand up, Fareed? Certainly not on its feet .....perhaps on its knees to seek redemption for double crossing USA in Iran. Typical of Pakistani DNA.”
If I may, I will add: Pakistan – double crossing USA in Afganistan and against Taliban/Al Qaeda. USA is worried that if it does not engage Pakistan, it will become China's puppet. So it has to sleep with the enemy.
Here"s Johnnnyyy!!
Please be original and get away from the shadows of Pakistan....will ya? You hindus will always be defined by Pakistan....that is exactly my point and you proved it. Get a life.
Amit, ok agreed Muslims invaded India 1000 years back and we couldn't do anything. But right now Israel is trying to annihilate Iran and we will NOT allow it. This is happening right now and we will prevent it. Down with Israhell.
Agreed – Israel should not be allowed to destroy Iran (honest I do not think it can). Also, if it could, India is in no shape to prevent it. Israel does to Palestianians what they do to Israel – both are pretty horrific but when you are divided by religion and you think you are superior than others, and others have no right to exist – sadly no one does. Islam will one day understand the ditch it has dug for itself. Israel is less fanatic and does better of the too – that's why their society is more developed. Having friend in USA also helps. Honestly, I will never friend anyone whose sole existence is to destroy me and that's what muslims think about us kafirs. Good luck to them – let's see how long they live in that fantasy world.
Israel is A TERRORIST APARTHEID nation and it has been killing Palestinian Muslims and Christians end grabbing their lands every day. we will not allow that to happen. Israel will be wiped off the face of the earth very soon. JaiHind.
Jai Hind..........are you serious?
Amit are you really that ignorant? Islam and Judaism both are not true friends of Hinduism. Jews are worse because most of them have their pride in being Whites as well, for example the Ashkenazis. So my friend if you think Jews really need our help, you are dead wrong, Jews are the most selfish people, ever!
Jai Shri Krishna.
You are right – neither Islam, nor Jewish religion are friends of Hinduism. Abrahamic religions are quite different than HInduism/Buddism etc. Islam is worse of the three (if you include Christianity) when it comes to tolerance and respect for others. Christianity has gotten better over time but in areas like Africa, Christianity and Islam still clash violently. Islam is a breed apart – not sure if it should even be called a religion. It is so primitive and barbaric, it is a black spot on human race.
Depends on where look at things from. Our cultures consider Hindus as primitive, barbaric, polytheists, smelly, dark, oily, cow-worshipper, penis god lover, monkey god worshipper, fat elephant god's buttlicker, unhygienic uneducated, backwards, illiterate etc.
It's is better to stop demonizing other religions and cultures and enjoy the upcoming beautiful summer.
Whatever Hindu's do, they are tolerant and do not kill others – so they are not barbaric. Also, Hinduism is one of the most advanced thought system – someday read Sankhya philosophy if your brain can handle it. Idol worship is Hinduism is Greek influence and I agree – it sucks big time. Arya Samaj criticizes Idol Worship just as anyone else would – but Hinduism was idol worship free until 500 AD. As far as doing strange things is concerned – have you not seen Christians do strange things in their churches and muslims beat themselve up with chains.
BTW – I am not religious – I criticise Hinduism where it makes sense to do so. Any organized religion is a deterrant to creating a progressive society. You also have a nice and enjoyable summer.
Yea' don't gimme that crap – your whole concept of Dharma-Yuddha is "religious Wars". I have a PhD in comparative religions. Your whole Mahabharatha is nothing but war- your Hindu kings were killing each other before time immemorial – so don't act holier than thou. Hindus claim they can't kill life for eating (animals) but they are ready to kill Moslems & Christians in an instant.
If you have a degree in comparative religion – that must be from your church. Read history Mr. – and here is to get you started in comparative religion 101: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma. Good luck.
yea- you didn't have any answer so you divulge – why the heck are u in US? You are surrounded by 80% Christians. Go back to India.
my qualm with you is you keep spouting religious hate and nothing else.
I am here to do the work that your sorry ass can't and get paid. So if you start doing your job, I will think about it
BTW before you ask anyone else to go back to their country, ask your ancestors why they came here and also killed so many who were living here for thousand of years. You have some guts to tell others to leave this country when you can't even take care of it.
Hinduism is a cult. Shiv Sena defines hinduism and makes Ku Klux Klan look like angels. Get the drift?
KRM1007 – You have not evolved beyond a langoor. Shiv Sena is a right wing party whose influence is limited to a few cities in Maharastra. It participates in democratic process and is less radical than Republican Party under Cheney that murdered thousands of innocent muslims in Iraq. Get some brain cells if you got none.
And no one defines Hinduism than its members – it is one of the most inclusive and diseparate way of life on earth. You can believe in a god, in many gods or in none – it is a way of life. Not a pope trying to tell others what to do or priests raping children and hiding behind cross or Islam killing its own children like in Syria or Palestians celebrating after Al Queda killed innocent people on 9/11. You are too primitive to understand such a dharma. All you are capable of is being a sheep and following your religious leaders. Good luck with that.
@Jinnah....you can take a rotten egg like hinduism and package it in easter colors but it will remain rotten to the core. Hindus have massacred millions of people and make WW2 Nazi Germany look like Shangri La. Who are you kidding? The world knows hindus, we know hindus and they ain't no peach? Kapiche?
I've been browsing on-line more than 3 hours lately, yet I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful value sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.
Forget the GDP, focus on these murder statistics.
In India, millions of girls are strangled, slowly starved or simply tossed in the trash. Moreover, in India, at least 1,370 girls are aborted every day. As a comparison, some 250 Indians die every day in road accidents. Terrorists killed about six people, on an average, every day in 2009. In the last two decades of economic progress, 10 million girls have died as such in India.
SHAME ON INDIA AND ITS BARBARIC AND MEDIEVAL CULTURE !!!
Indians have killed more human beings (girls particularly) than Al Qaeda and Talibans put together.
Fareed, it might help if you look into a little recent history and analyse the situation a little before coming up with what could have been a very effective article.
The US ran into Iraq over:
1. Oil being sold in Euros by Saddam Hussein – this might have caused problems for the USD so they invented a 'WMD' story and 'BOMBED THE PLACE FLAT' – following which there were statements (in hindsight) saying there were NO weapons of mass destruction, and that this is what the security agencies had repeatedly told the folks who pulled the trigger. Justification for destroying what was once a reasonably well-off country was a dictator who had committed humanitarian crimes.
2. A large part of the US economy is defence – they were suppliers of arms to Iran, Iraq, Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban, Pakistan and quite a few other groups who were later 'recognised' as terrorist organisations/states. The war machine was kept going through war – and this one was convenient.
How about we apply the same concepts to Iran now? They've repeatedly said that they're not buliding weapons – there have been no WMDs found. They pose no threat to anyone at the moment since they've been pushed into a corner and pulled down quite a few notches already. They're a large source of oil. This is their main crime. There are sanctions against them for POLITICAL reasons. They're irritating their bully just that little bit more by selling their oil for currencies other than dollars.
If you'd like to go down as one of the many 'propaganda' journalists stuck with the standard foot-in-mouth issue after the US bombs Iran flat and finds no evidence of WMDs, by all means go ahead and write some more articles along these lines. I do however object to you suggesting India bow down to pressure of the US schoolyard-bully and not talk to Iraq because they're denying that they have a gun in their schoolbag as the bully is suggesting to the entire school AFTER the headmaster has checked the bag and found nothing.
Good job. Never easy to bell the cat or point a finger towards the bully. US foreign policy is – might is right. When they can't do it by themselves, they try and use UN and if that does not work – they roam around like cry babies threating others – funny thing is that they have realized that only so much can be achieved by threat.
India is much harder to control as they do not go around bullying others. If USA had respect for democracies, India will be its long time ally, not UAE or pakistan or taliban.
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dr. fareed zakaria u said smthing abt foreign policy of india & america .... U.S.As foreign policy is 2 kill innocent ppl (like in iraq & afghanistan) on the name of weapons of mass destruction......... weapons of mass destruction is none other than u.s itself ...... & if india dont hv ample diplomats 4 such foreign policy .. then we indians are really gratefull that we our leaders r not so enlightened as yours are......... u called india "mullahs last best friend " then what is america supporting taliban , pakistan , indonesian dictator suharto & list goes on & on........ by not supporting america in his so clalled " war on terrorism " . india is only protecting herself from falling prey to americas policy of world dominance.....!!! how could u expect india 2 support america & israel against iran ...when we know that u supported pak 2 built taliban against india & iran.......... u.s.a & pak used osama & mullah omar & threw them when not needed ....... btw we r peace lovers we also respect islam & iran .....so u cant fool us wid weapons of mass destruction like american citizens...
and also india needs 2 first settle its own internal affairs ............ we hv to boom our economy first & feed 1.2 billion ppl , not to go into any war..... for the purpose iran is not an enemy but a friend ...... i think america should mind its own bussiness, only then world will become a peacefull place.......!!!
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I also like him and watch him every week, a very astute journalist, probably the best one on the shallow airheads we have here in the United States, but in this piece Zakaria looks like he is taking issue with India for trading and keeping relations with Iran.