South Asia in trouble
Photo: AFP
Lately, the noise and disorder levels in South Asian countries have risen, especially in the countries forming the former British India-- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka. It is curious to note that this could hardly be a coincidence. If there is a blueprint behind in the background, one would not be surprised. The foreign political and diplomatic VIPs are visiting the region at more frequent intervals; and the coming general elections in Bangladesh seem to be of intense concern to our foreign friends. The papers are full of free advice if not interference. Pakistan is also transiting after a tough general election. In Nepal, the leftist control should be worrying the western capitalist countries. In the Middle East, there is no slow down in the disturbing foreign interference and threats. Afghanistan, a country with a poor economy, continues to draw headlines with the latest visit of G Brown to Kabul. In India, the latest labour strike is very noticeable. West Bengal in India is always in the news. The Dalai Lama was not present during the opening of the Olympics. Why the disorder and noise levels are increasing week by week? In the hot tropical DCs, the winter is a season of discontent, when political and other public demonstrations are very much visible. The regimes in the above countries are under stress, handling local and foreign pressures. We should not relax after the general elections in December, as the check list of home works is overflowing. The political parties have to switch on to long term focus for the survival of all.
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