Editorial
The media hype surrounding the flagging of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus route would have gullible readers believe that humanitarian issues have finally started counting in policy circles. The ‘pigheadedness’ of conflict, so it was projected, had given way to people-centric foreign policies by India and Pakistan. But we know very well the way in which the news media preyed upon the sentiments of family members during the IC-814 hijacking by Pakistani terrorists in 1999. That was also portrayed as a ‘humanitarian issue’, which ultimately caused more human loss and misery.....more...

A BUS-RIDE TO UNCERTAINTY
KANCHAN LAKSHMAN
On both sides of the LoC, terrorist groups and hard-line separatists, in radical contrast to its overwhelming popularity among the general Kashmiri populace, have opposed the bus service, claiming that the 'core issue' of Kashmir would be eclipsed, and that such measures would only help India ultimately transform the LoC into a permanent border…more…

TAKING KASHMIRIS FOR A RIDE
MANOHAR TRAKRU
The generous rhetoric fed to the public is that progress in the composite dialogue will lead to a new and peaceful India-Pakistan relationship. So be it – by all means continue the dialogue and discuss confidence building measures till cows come home, in the effort to transform the environment of mistrust into one of mutual confidence……more…

The Hanging Carrot of Greater Autonomy
PROF. K. N. PANDITA
The question is what does "greater autonomy" mean in tangible terms? An overview of the present status of the State, at least the Kashmir province, is that it is enjoying more than "greater autonomy" privileges……more…

A SCIENCE SO NOBLE
SREERAM CHAULIA
Science designates itself rational, efficient and cold, while morality is irrational, equity-conscious and warm. The majority of scientists shies away from public issues and cares to comment on “bloody politicians” only if the latter’s policies directly hurt their laboratories, universities or institutes……more…

Condoleezza Rice Visits: America's Search for a Caliph
PRAVEEN SWAMI
Almost unnoticed, Rice's visit marks a step towards what critics in both India and Pakistan have long demanded - the end of hyphenation, or the removal of the implicit linkages of policy on one country and policy towards the other. Yet, Pakistan is not just part of 'The Muslim World', whatever this might be, nor India merely a piece of a non-Muslim Asia that has China at its center. The destinies of both countries are intimately linked…more…

Reminiscences - From the pages of My Diary
KAMAL HAK
I disembark from the plane into the cold weather and an uncertain world outside. My first step on the soil of my beloved motherland sends a wave of current through my body. I find myself immobilized and unable to move forward. Every thing around me including the time and the life seem to have got frozen…more…

REFUGEES IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY
JUHI KUCHROO
I have seen tough times. Times, I hope, no one will ever see. Even though I am deaf now, I have a spirit that can't be broken. I work very hard to provide a living for my family and have dreams of providing a better life to my children and their children…more…

Brewing Storm in the Gulf
PROF. K. N. PANDITA
The US could not stop China or India from having the deadly weapon. It was partly because of their enormous landmass and partly because Washington followed its own perception of balance of power in Asia. But in the case of Pakistan, the US knew of her clandestine acquisition of nuclear components more than many within the official circles in Islamabad. But again owing to political considerations, Washington closed its eyes…more…

A NAVREH THAT ISN'T
DR. SANJAY PARVA
Today, when I think of writing this piece, I have to actually grapple with my mind and its thoughts – both are divided between what they are made up for, and what they are compelled to accomplish. Migration, I feel, has done more than physical damage to a pandit. It has robbed him of his subtle mind – a mind that was so simple, so plain, so unhooked, so free, and so pure……more…