:: Saturday, September 14, 2002 ::

Kashmiri Elections:

After Friday prayers a small group of Kashmiri protesters demonstrate against upcoming Kashmiri elections in Srinagar, India, Friday Sept. 13, 2002. Violence has increased in recent weeks ahead of Kashmir legistative elections set to start on Monday. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

:: Vikash Yadav 2:00 PM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............

India's Position on Iraq:

India has made clear to the United States that it will not support any unilateral military action against Iraq, but will fully back any fresh moves by the United Nations to force Baghdad to comply with its mandate on weapons inspections.

- HindustanTimes.com (Thursday, September 12, 2002)

:: Vikash Yadav 1:39 PM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............

Bigotry on Parade:

Oh god, what a day for stupidity. I can't believe that this incident of racist prejudice lead to such a national media frenzy today.

:: Vikash Yadav 9:23 PM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............

Turbans 101:

I really just don't know what to make of this article and pictorial from the Seattle Times called "Understanding Turbans." I guess the motive is to instruct people on how to recognize difference amongst the "other," and promote understanding that there is no relationship between turbans and terrorism. In fact, the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) even recommends the article in its "Reporting Tips for Covering Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Religious Minorities in the US."

Nevertheless, I have been quite uneasy about the way the issue of "hate crimes" against South Asians residing in America has been handled by the media and the members of certain minority communities (i.e., Sikhs). I have seen at times a sentiment amongst some Sikhs akin to redirecting a lynch mob in the right direction, i.e., "... you want to go bash that other group which also wears turbans, not us." Even the article that accompanies the pictorial seems to undermine its own mission to foster understanding and acceptance of difference. For example, the article states:

Hundreds of other assaults on Sikhs have been reported across the country, a trend that strikes many as bizarrely misguided. Yes, Sikhs wear turbans. But they have no connection to the Islamic extremists now wanted by the U.S. Rather, Sikhs are members of the world's fifth-largest religion, which traces its roots to northern India and espouses egalitarianism.

This isn't exactly helpful, although the general context of the article is well intentioned. But perhaps it is not fair to blame one set of victims in their efforts to avoid a lynch mob, especially a community that has been subject to so many vile massacres in their history.

The truth is that American bigotry and stupidity has been on a rampage since last year -- and documented incidents of harrassment continue. (This is to say nothing of the innumerable accounts of racial profiling and humiliation at airports that have gone quietly undocumented.)

Moreover, those leaders and elites that have expressed racist sentiments remain in positions of power and influence. For example, Louisiana Congressman, John Cooksey, said on the record:

"If I see someone come in and he's got a diaper on his head and a fanbelt wrapped around the diaper on his head, that guy needs to be pulled over and checked."

He may have apologized for such comments, but the sentiment is unforgivable from a politician. He should have been censured by the Congress and asked to resign immediately. Columnist Ann Coulter continues to make media appearances and has written a best selling book despite her raving comments after 9/11:

"Airports scrupulously apply the same laughably ineffective airport harassment to Suzy Chapstick as to Muslim hijackers. It is preposterous to assume every passenger is a potential crazed homicidal maniac. We know who the homicidal maniacs are. They are the ones cheering and dancing right now.

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war."

What does it say about this country that such raving idiots continue to be listened to? Of course, everyone has a right to free speech, but don't national media outlets have a duty to shun those who espouse hate and incite violence? No one has a right to be on tv espousing hatred. After all if they censor Osama bin Laden, why not censor Ann Coulter -- what's the difference between them anyway?

What bothers me even more is that the US has created public policies, such as Operation TIPS or the fingerprinting of foreigners from select countries, designed to reflect such sentiments.

This urge toward racial profiling that fills the seething and hateful landscape of America is not surprising in a country where African-Americans are harassed and tortured by policemen on a regular basis. However, it is surprising that this blatant form of racism is accorded any discussion amongst commentators on the national newsmedia. If it is apparent that "white" Americans have committed acts of terrorism on US soil, why should any sane person believe that security will be enhanced through racial profiling? What kind of demagogue implements such policies?

[Okay, I am done ranting for today...]

:: Vikash Yadav 5:18 PM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............

India & Iraq -- "Strategic Partners"??:

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, right, reads a letter delivered by Ram Naik, left, visiting Indian envoy and Minister of Oil and Gas, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday night, July 6, 2002. (AP Photo/INA)

As the US moves toward a war footing with Iraq, I thought it might be a good time to discuss some of the recent developments in the relationship between India and Iraq. I am intrigued by where this relationship appears to be heading at a time when the US is threatening to invade Iraq. Here is a summary of recent events:

In July 2002, a fifty-three member Indian delegation attended the "15th India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting" in Baghdad. Indian Petroleum Minister, Ram Naik, met with Sadam Hussein who reaffirmed Iraq's support for India on the Kashmir issue and the warm relationship between the two countries. India reaffirmed its opposition to the UN sanctions against Iraq. The meeting apparently lasted for two hours and the Petroleum Minister delivered a letter from Prime Minister Vajpayee. Iraq's Oil Minister, Amer Mohammed Rashid, stated that India should be viewed as a "strategic partner" of Iraq.

The Government of India, MEA web site, summarized the result of the meeting as follows:

"The extensive discussions with the Iraqi leadership is expected to give a boost to Indian exports to Iraq. Under the "Oil for Food" Programme, contracts valued over US$ 1.1 billion have so far been awarded to Indian companies. In a special gesture, the Iraqi Government agreed to register Indian export houses with the Iraqi Ministry of Trade in a relaxation of its policy of dealing only with manufacturers and suppliers who add value in the production process. This gesture which has been made applicable only to India, would give a boost to the small and medium sector whose products are often exported through export houses."

Iraq's exclusive generosity with the Indian government is part of a not so covert deal to secure diplomatic support from India in international organizations in exchange for crude oil (the price of Iraqi oil is determined by the UN Sanctions Committee). India has also been supplying Iraq with medicine, wheat, rice, railway equipment, and turbines for electricity generation. Moreover, India, Algeria, and Iraq have been exploring opportunities for joint drilling in the Tuba oil field of Iraq. In fact, India's Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has opened offices in Baghdad. ONGC, along with India's Reliance Petroleum, is in negotiations with the Algerian oil company, Sonatrach.

Certainly, India is not alone in cutting side deals with this pariah state. Russia for example has signed agreements worth billions of dollars and already has a large outstanding loan to Iraq from the Soviet era. It is in Iraq's interest to make financial concessions in order to tie in as many "shareholders" as possible in its future fate. Moreover, it is quite logical from an economic standpoint for India to seek cheap crude oil wherever it can. My concern is whether or not the arrangements with Iraq are in India's strategic interests given its attempts to flirt with the US and Israel. We have discussed the Israel--India relationship before in this forum. The question is how do improved ties with Iraq help India in the "great game" that it is playing with the US, Israel, China, and Pakistan?

So far it does not appear that India has a coherent strategy in the Middle East. In fact, India has been floundering around in that region since Independence. The Nehruvian era support for Arab concerns never resulted in widespread support for India's argument in the Kashmir issue. The BJP appeared to be warming up to Israel, but now we see it buddying up to Iraq. It is time for India to think strategically and long term rather than just worrying about short term economic survival. Of course, this may be difficult given India's deteriorating economic position in terms of external debt. Nevertheless, a consistent strategy will be more beneficial in the long run.

India's economic and cultural fate will increasingly be tied to the US, even though the US will remain unfettered. While there will be little reward for loyalty to the US, there will be consequences for partnering with America's enemies. If a US invasion of Iraq is likely, India should immediately announce its allegiance with the US. This will not be easy to do as it is quite apparent that the US is an arrogant imperial power, but I think India's strategic interests do not give it much leeway for moral indignation and ideological posturing. A triadic relationship between India, Israel, and the US may not be ideal, but India needs to develop real allies. As it stands India does not have any allies in the post-Cold War era.

:: Vikash Yadav 11:42 PM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............

Indian activists hold a banner to protest against American multinational Dow Chemical in the ongoing criminal case on the world's worst industrial disaster in Bhopal, during a rally in Bombay, India, Monday, Sept. 2, 2002 . Thousands of people still live with health problems derived from being in contact with the poisonous gas leak from the Union Carbide factory on Dec. 4, 1984. The World Summit on Sustainable development is also focusing on protecting the global environment. (AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude)

The Search for Warren Anderson:

The Guardian reported on August 30th that Greenpeace activists have tracked down Warren Anderson, former CEO of Union Carbide, to his home in Long Island and served him the 1991 court summons for culpable homicide from the Government of India. If the Indian government does not get cold feet in its desire to kowtow to US corporations, it appears that the day of justice for the 14,000+ victims of the Bhopal tragedy may be approaching. Here is an excerpt from the Guardian article:

The former head of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, who faces homicide charges in India in connection with more than 14,000 deaths following leaks from the company's pesticides plant in Bhopal in 1984, has been tracked down to his luxury home in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York.

Mr Anderson was served with a copy of a warrant for his arrest by an environmental campaigner and moves are now under way to bring him to India to face trial.

A member of Greenpeace USA confronted Mr Anderson at his home in Bridgehampton just after the former chief executive officer of Union Carbide had returned from his country club. Initially Mr Anderson denied his identity, but when a passing neighbour called "Hi, Warren, is everything OK?", he fled into his house. He had no comment on the charges.

A court in Bhopal, central India, asked yesterday for extradition proceedings to be started to bring Mr Anderson to court. He is charged with culpable homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

"He was not very happy to see me," said Casey Harrell, toxics campaigner for Greenpeace USA, which has been involved for many years in seeking reparations for those affected by the leak. "He has been living a very high life."

[read more on this article]
[see also this earlier article]

:: Vikash Yadav 12:59 AM [Permanent Link] :: ::
..............