Opinions

And the Indian Government Censors, censors censors.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:03:00 +0000

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Govt-gearing-up-to-gag-news-websites/articleshow/4562292.cms

Look at that! (Hat Tip: Atanu Dey)

The Indian government has decided that its in its interest to gag the websites.

Barely four months after dropping its proposal of forcing TV channels to show only an "authorized" feed during security emergencies,

the government is now seeking to censor news portals and other websites, that too even at normal times.

The controversial draft rules released this month empower a designated Central government officer to block public access to any information on the Net for wide-ranging reasons of security and national interest.

Aam Aadmi's government it is, isnt it?

More WTFness

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 21 May 2009 07:44:00 +0000

http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/20/stories/2009052057360100.htm

This is what the BJP especially - and no government should be doing - fixing show times is *nobody*s business except the movie theatre- and the govt. should concern itself with fixing only the start and end times - and these also should involve the government only because of safety reasons.

Missing the point

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Normally you'd expect the CounterTerrorism blog to have a good amount of common-sense and dispense with a) bias and b) ridiculous conclusions, but apparently not.

In an article bordering on the ludicrous, here's a post on the CT blog (link), saying, I-kid-you-not, that peace in Kashmir will help stabilize Pakistan :

Pakistani-Indian rapprochement could be a tremendous aid to the Pakistani leadership in their efforts to stabilize their deteriorating country. If the Mumbai attacks have made that impossible, then the Mumbai terror attacks may prove to be one of the most consequential terrorist attacks in history.

Stabilizing Pakistan requires action on the Kashmir front, in terms of peace? Well, here's news for the chaps at CT, Kashmir is peaceful, by a massive scale as compared to Pakistan - and compared to itself way back in the tumultous 1990s. Its Pakistan that has all those bomb-attacks, Sharia-law and Pakistani army and government ceding space to the Taliban (maybe not the army, but.)

There is one thing, and one thing only which can stabilize Pakistan - and that is sustained, comprehensive action against the LeT, JeM, Taliban, former ISI employees who are training fundamentalist and the Al Qaeda (note the order).

The Cost Factor

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:30:00 +0000

In his op-ed at the Asian Age, Brahma Chellaney writes:

At the crux of the problem are the bribes the Pakistani military establishment openly seeks from the international community for any move on its part:
l To help rein in the Taliban — which it continues to bolster while pretending to be an ally in the US-led war on terror — it demands generous US military aid, although it has already diverted (according to American admissions) much of the received assistance to beef up
forces against India.
l To sever its institutional support to India-directed terror
groups, it demands a resolution — to its satisfaction — of the intractable and unsolvable Kashmir dispute.
l Having stunted nation-building and turned Pakistan into the world’s "Problemistan", it now warns the Pakistani State would implode unless the US continues its aid flow, totalling nearly $2 billion a year.
l To patrol Pakistan’s own border with Afghanistan, it demands — and gets — a special US payment of around $100 million a month.
l It scripts terror attacks in India and then immediately spotlights the Kashmir issue. The Mumbai attackers could have learned their amphibious assault skills only from military handlers, not non-State actors. Yet, shortly after the Mumbai assaults, Pakistan told the UN
Security Council that, "The best outcome of the tragedy would be the resolution of the issue of Kashmir".

He concludes with this thought:

India’s leadership deficit is manifest from the innocent pleas to Pakistan, including the extradition of 42 fugitives and the dismantlement of the State-run terrorist infrastructure.
Which Pakistan is going to do that? The powerless civilian government? The Janus-faced military establishment? Did the latter set up the terror complex to wage a war of a thousand cuts against India or to dismantle it at the enemy’s bidding? If they really wish to bring that establishment to heel, what costs are India’s leaders ready to impose?

As I mentioned in my previous post, "Locks on every door, do not help!" :

There has been no cost of any of these attacks to Pakistan. (Operation Parakram only threatened war - and made the rest of the World lean on India - and not on Pakistan)

So the pertinent question that Brahma asks is answered thus:

India on Tuesday said it is not planning any military action against Pakistan but stressed that the neighbouring country will have to take action against terrorists there for the relations to improve.
"We are not planning any military action... But at the same time unless Pakistan takes actions against those terrorists who are
operating from their soil against India and also against all those who are behind the Mumbai terrorist attack, things will not be normal," Defence Minister A K Antony said.

Tag: Media, India, War on Terror, Terrorist State of Pakistan, Security Policy, War on Terror.

Locks on Every door do not help!

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Post the Mumbai terror attacks, there have been scores of questions asked, a million answers provided, some conclusions arrived at. Most of it is on these lines:

India needs a central agency to fight terror,
Indian intelligence needs revamp, and freedom from Political interference.
Politicians are scumbags, have neglected the nation and need to Unite.
Law/Police reforms need to be carried out

Somewhere among there is also the mention of attacking Pakistan, killing terrorists etc.,

Till now, I've been rather spectator-like and not offering my insight in how we should tackle terror - and for good reason. Most of the times in the past, the reaction has tended to be localised - and died after a day (if we're lucky), or more like a couple of hours. This time has been different - both in the scale of the attack, and the reactions aroused.

Its been a stunning and welcome development - that people are coming out in force onto the streets. Not everyone has to come onto the streets for change - but the media's interviews, and the people coming on it have shown enough anger, and force for the government and society at large to respond.

For advocating what steps that one needs to take from here-on, one needs to know what the problem or issue is.

The problem is this:

India has been, and continues to suffer from terrorist attacks where perpetrators either directly or indirectly funded by and trained in Pakistan.(since late 1970s, early 80s)
There has been no cost of any of these attacks to Pakistan. (Operation Parakram only threatened war - and made the rest of the World lean on India - and not on Pakistan)
The last attacks have inflicted a total cost of 4,000 Crore Rupees on India. Cost to Pakistan is 50 lakh Rupees(for training/arming terrorists, etc.,) A gain of 200,000% for Pakistan!
Indian cities are now being viewed by the rest of the world as dangerous (read: Do not go) - again being clubbed with Pakistani ones - the big difference being is India is doing well on economic fronts

Now, thats the problem. What do these above indicate?

Status-quo and defensive mechanisms arent working.
Peace process with Pakistan is not working.
Pakistan is an existential enemy to India. No country that continues to attack another country for 30 years - without provocation can be negotiated with, for peace.
Pakistan is paying No Price for the terror attacks it carries out in India and Indian citizens, business and government are paying the price for the terror it imposes on us.
Indian cities and economy can face a loss of business confidence - global confidence if the status quo continues. So not only will innocent lives be lost - the global downturn will get added to, with a loss of confidence in India.

So what should we do? We should think of steps for the near, short, medium, long terms.

Near/Short terms:

1. Take the nation into confidence. Inspire the nation.

2. Hire a PR team for the Government. Ensure the government speaks with one voice.

3. Do NOT go to Conventional war with Pakistan

4. Bomb Pakistani terror camps. We know where they are - no need to inform anyone of what we're going to do. Just do it. Israelis do it, Americans do it - and rightly so.

5. Impose a cost on Pakistan for each terrorist attack. (see step 4)

6. Put in place mechanisms to raise and develop a strike force that will strike at strategic Pakistani targets - black ops.

7. Ensure every hawala transaction gets exemplary punishment. (go for broke, if necessary)

8. Brainstorm ways to strengthen border controls.

9. Enforce Better Border Controls

Medium/Long Term:

10.Tell the Nation and the world that We are right, and Pakistan is wrong. (avoid official statement though)

11. Name Pakistan as a state sponsor of Terror. (avoid official statement though)

12. Cut-off relations with Pakistan - piece by piece. India doesn't do any business worth the while with Pakistan - and shouldn't until Pakistan's core nation is defeated. (Follow Reagan in a sense)

13. Use every means - economic and otherwise (but short of war) to dismantle the state of Pakistan.

14. Relook at relations with the United States. The Nuclear deal is alright but if it thinks it can fight its war on terror by letting Pakistan off the hook - ensure business costs for that too.

15. Ensure steps 6, 7, 8, 9 reach their logical conclusions

Tag: Media, India, War on Terror, Terrorist State of Pakistan, Security Policy, War on Terror.

Easing "Tension", the Pakistani way

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:07:00 +0000

In his succint comments, Pakistani capitan Shoaib Malik(also known for this comment), gives us the way forward, post the terror Attacks on Mumbai :

Cricket can ease the escalating tension between India and Pakistan and it is important for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men to have a positive approach about next year's tour to the neighbouring nation, feels skipper Shoaib Malik.
"In the past also there have been diplomatic tensions between the two countries. There have been times when both countries have amassed their troops on the border but cricket has always played its role in reducing tensions," he opined.

Read the full report here(link)

There only seem to be a couple of hiccups though.

1. The terror Attacks in Mumbai were carried out by Pakistanis with support from Pakistani establishment (Also read Asia Times report here)
2. A certain Javed Miandad, who's Dawood Ibrahim's Samdhi (Miandad's son married Dawood's daughter).

Tag: Media, India, War on Terror, Terrorist State of Pakistan, Security Policy, Cricket, War on Terror.

And when did smut arrive?

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:12:00 +0000

In magazine form ,more than 30 years ago, well the latest installments anyways. Here's what India today has(link)

The Defining Moment.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:30:00 +0000

The Defining Moment of the 60 hour seige of Mumbai came when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went on Television and said, looking into the camera, and reflecting the nation's outrage, and anger: (link)

We will kill these bastards, We will defend our people. No one can hurt India and get away.

And the nation got behind him, they willed him to go after them - whether in Pakistan(link), Bangladesh, Myanmar or China. They provided their help, and the collective energy.

A national task force was formed with our best minds(S Patil, R R Patil, MMS) in place - taking inputs from the public - and Parliament convened in a special session to make onto law the changes proposed - with a timeframe and punitive action suggested for delays.
India learnt its lessons, prioritized security, put value on human life.

Tag: Media, India, War on Terror, Terrorist State of Pakistan, Security Policy, Aam Aadmi (Common Man), War on Terror.

++Terror

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Mumbai today, somewhere else tomorrow. A terror attack roughly every 25 days - almost as regular as the monthly salary.

These are the thoughts going through my head -

Nikamma (Incompetent) Governance by the UPA
Ordinary citizens not marching for, demanding Security
Information being given out by the Television media - dont terrorists know about Television?

Tag: Media, India, War on Terror, Terrorist State of Pakistan, Security Policy, Aam Aadmi (Common Man), War on Terror.

Simple, Noble folk

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:21:00 +0000

From the India Today Archives, 30 years ago:

"So what if my son is a chief minister. I'm carrying on my farming. I make enough to eat, even though I cannot give haircuts anymore," said the 85-year-old weather-beaten patriarch. "What do I need his money for?"

(emphasis added)

Here's the article(link). If only more such people existed in this age and world.

Tag: Simple folk, India, India Today Archives.

Some cheer for Weekend Travellers

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:29:00 +0000

Among the best news I've heard is this – for travelers. Woot! The Government is actually thinking of something positive, of promoting tourism! Something I had been lamenting of late – that tourism is given a go-by, that it can generate a lot of income, spread wealth – make infrastructure better (by providing impetus for it).

So, the KSRTC, that is Karnataka's State run Transport Corp. has announced a go anywhere in Karnataka, on a weekend for 700 Rupees only – that too on the relatively better maintained Rajahamsa buses (not a patch on the Vajras/Airavats/Volvos though!). times of India has more on that story at this link. (by the by, ignore the ToIs stupid headline!

Enjoy your weekends!

Tag: Travel, India, Karnataka, Weekend Travllers, Tourism Promotions.

Too many Royals!

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:25:00 +0000

The Hindustan Times reports that the Gir Forest – the world's only, only, surviving natural habitat for the Asiatic Lion is facing a problem with too many lions. About a year back, I read of a proposal that some of these lions would be shifted to neighbouring Madhya Pradesh – but apparently that hasn't happened. As HT reports:

The last official census in 2005 revealed 359 lions where there were 180 three decades ago in Gir, set up in 1974 as the Indian lion's home.
Only, no one told the lions.
"They don't know where reserve forest limits end and villages begin," noted I. K. Chauhan, deputy conservator of forests. "They go wherever they see thick vegetation."
Gir, spread over a core area of 258.7 square km in Gujarat's Junagadh district, can accommodate upto 300 lions. That's not enough now.
The solution: Expand the core area — no humans allowed here — or move some lions.
Expanding the core will displace tribals, and that's politically impossible. As for finding a new home, the Gujarat government refuses to share its lions.
Madhya Pradesh has been trying to lay its hand on a few of Gir's surplus lions for more than a decade, hoping to move them to a forest near Gwalior, to its Kunopalpur forest reserve.

Read the rest of the report here. Even as one reads of the success, there is a string of concern I'd think – from both the smallness of the geographical area the lions are in, and the success measured only by numbers relative to their minimums.

The fact is, being the world's only natural habitat means that any small reversal, any tinkering with the relatively small gene pool could probably wipe out the entire stock of lions – so its not just a huge success, beyond the obvious numbers game.

What India requires for conservation are

1. Prepare a pathway to restore enough wild habitat back to the wild

2. Prepare and carry out a plan that allows for enough growth in number of wild animals
And, the most neglected, but equally important part

3. Prepare for failures AND successes – in terms of changing strategies in 1 & 2 above, in terms of allocating extra resources if required.

4. Prepare plans for 1 & 2 such that the public at large – and especially children and villagers/tribals living near reserves appreciate and learn to protect wildlife.

None of points 1 through 4 are easy. But the government has to approach this systematically. It will need to assemble disparate experts and teams to do that – no just environmentalists and wild life experts but teams that are experts in logistics, in motivation, in publicizing events, in selling to children, to the rural world – use the services of the FMCG world if needed.

Tag: Conservation, Environmental Awareness, The Lion, Endangered Species, Conservation Strategies.

XKCD to the rescue.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:57:00 +0000

What do you do on an afternoon when your head feels like there's some serious love being spread between CPI's D Raja and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Nirupam with Barkha Dutt for moderation? You turn to XKCD. And discover this.

Tag: XKCD, Terminology.

A Batting Pitch!

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:41:00 +0000

While commenting on the Indian innings in today's India-England, one of the commentators (I believe it was Laxman Shivaramakrishnan) commented on the runs being scored by Yuvraj/Dhoni combo(at that time) on a batting pitch.
His co-commentator's remark was

"Let's wait until England bat to see how this pitch fares. We cant say its a batting pitch just because India batted superbly!"

Touche!

Tag: Batting Pitch, Cricket, England, India, India-England ODI 2008 Series.

A Note to Indian Cricket Team & BCCI - Start calling 'em spades.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Yup, the spades. Call them that.

Like Cheater-Punter (also known as Ricky Ponting), the one who claims grounded catches(links 1, 2, 3). Like Cussing Symmo, who cant seem to take a bit of chat or cussing himself - and for all his brawn goes crying to Mummy when given a bit of lip.

Or Shane Watson. That half-brained arse who makes money in the Indian Premier League, gets into the Aussie team because of it - and them behaves such utterly disgracefully.

Australia might like such disgracefully behaving maniacs as representatives of their nation, but lets make it clear that we dont need such people on the cricket field.

For all the praise heaped on Kumble for his conduct during the Sydney test (and deservedly so) - there is though one statistic that rankles - Harbhajan invariably is termed as an offender - and not Symonds. And neither he nor Brad Hogg did not get any bans or 2 am hearings.

So, please start raising those complaints. Like one complaint for Shane Watson, a long one for Mitchell Johnson (never mind what Cheater Punter has to say), and so on. See, otherwise stupid half-naked Aussies who feed on Indian Rupees would not get banned, but it would be Matchwinners like Gautam Gambhir who would.

Lest we forget Indian culture is such that it asks Arjuna to fight the war - even against his brothers, for justice. Indian culture doesnt ask any Indian to turn the other cheek - but to fight.

And BCCI how about calling for those non-racist referees and umpires on-board?

Tag: Change, Cricket, Sledging, Australian Behaviour, India.

This is for a headache.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:18:00 +0000

Hello, talenovu!

Obama won! Woot!

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:31:00 +0000

That, has been my reaction. Both my political and apolitical friends have questioned my exuberant joy at the election of an US President, when, according to some commentators, indications are that his Presidency might put a spanner in outsourcing, bring up old bogeys of Non-proliferation etc., (The Acorn has a fine round-up on related comments here)

Here's why:

Obama's message is one of Unity, of hope, of Change for the better. Obama's campaign has a positive message at its core. When was the last time you've seen a party/president win on a message of Hope, positivity, in recent years? Not too many times - in fact, it went bonkers in India. (Of course there were the factors of immense press affection in his favour)
Obama's campaign, for better or for worse, did not alienate anyone as the "other". That is a significant thing. Having seen America being a totally divided country - and living in a politically divided country myself - its a message that brings hope, that one can look Forward - which's my next point.
Obama points to the future, even as he notes the past - he's not hung up on it. Any politician who points to the future, to a New Deal, to hope is a worthy leader - simply because in this world to come with the challenges of Climate Change, nuclear proliferation etc., - its the minimum required to inspire your people and the world that You Can Do It!

And not to forget the Impact it will have on India (rest of the world too, I hope)

People will look towards Obama's win - and end up with the wrong result (like the ToI getting Mayawati). But it does inspire - and democracy will eventually yield to people looking for someone who can Inspire them to look forward with hope, and with the conviction that they can accomplish great feats. (As Tom Alter put it, there's not a single political leader in India who can inspire us to renew faith in the pledge and the goals of our founding fathers)
The world requires a US President who seeks to unite the world, who doesnt think Climate Change is a foggy idea of some weird hallucination - and who displays leadership - the courage to make tough choices, sacrifices. If nothing else, then on the Climate Change front.

If nothing else, Obama's rise gives me hope - for the planet, and consequently for India. And leave aside outsourcing, nuclear non-proliferation for the present - and think of what it would do for a US President to unite 400 million American people behind him. Having been fed on a diet of a Government which can hardly keep itself together, cant keep us safe, cant provide us with basic amenities - it presents a case saying "we can do it too!"

So, I'm happy. Cos Obama restores faith and hope. In democracy.

Tag: Hope, US Presidential Elections, Obama, USA -World Relations, India.

Happy Deepavali!

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Here's wishing all the readers of this blog a Happy Deepavali!

(If you're wondering why I'm wishing folks 2 days into it, I've been too busy bursting crackers and shopping! :D)

Crumble, crumble, crumble...

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:20:00 +0000

The economist, in an article on AIG writes:

The AIG bailout shows how hard it is for America's financial authorities to steer a straight course through a crisis that is piling one systemic threat onto another. Bear Stearns had been helped in March for fear of chaos in derivatives markets, in which it was a leading player as a prime broker. And, in taking on Fannie and Freddie, they were belatedly making explicit the implicit government guarantee that the twins had long enjoyed in the eyes of investors. In allowing Lehman to go bust when competitors balked at taking it on, Hank Paulson, the treasury secretary, attempted to draw a line in the sand. But AIG was considered simply too big to fail.

Its been a sad summer for US Financial Giants - long 'known' names have gone down the drain - some more are being consumed, others threatening to go bust. In the era of globalisation, and market integration, the impacts of financial strain in the World's biggest market is going to be felt heavily - in addition to the costlier oil. One hopes the Indian government takes adequate steps.
Although initial reaction belies that hope. (link)

How would this change affect the US elections - would they be less about change - or would the collapse lead a bigger clamour towards change - or a "stronger" President (with a female pit-bull a heart beat away).

We're heading for interesting times!

Tag: Financial Trouble, US, Recession, India, Government Response.

Carter-Gate: Jimmy Carter's specious claims.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:21:00 +0000

In his vastly Atlanticist, ivory-tower post, written in humble turn of phrase, Jimmy Carter, ex-US President (or xPOTUS if you will), makes a rather facetious claim, and ignores unhelpful truths. Here he is:

"If India's unique demands are acceptable, why should other technologically advanced NPT signatories, such as Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Japan - to say nothing of less responsible nations - continue to restrain themselves?"

Saudi Arabia, yes of course. That model, responsible nation responsible for exporting terrorism (along with Pakistan) with the least consequences to itself. But of course - it is *very* responsible. Go on Jimmy boy:

I have no doubt that India's political leaders are just as responsible in handling their country's arsenal as leaders of the five original nuclear powers. But there is a significant difference: the original five have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty and strive to stop producing fissile material for weapons.

Er, Strive to stop producing fissile material? After the US has 20, 000 nukes more powerful than Hiroshima?? How many more do they need?
But wait, Jimmy's got more:

India's leaders' accepting the NPT and joining other nuclear powers in signing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty would greatly strengthen the global effort to control proliferation.

Oh really. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) - that superb piece of legislation first mooted and pushed for by India, which the US KO'd by not ratifying. Do you mean that Jimmy Boy?

Meanwhile, other major nuclear powers, including the United States, Russia, France and Britain, are moving to limit their production.

But we heard that. And we know US has about 20000, Russia has about 9000, France and Britain a few hundred each. Dont we?

Read the article here: link

Tag: India, Jimmy Carter, US, POTUS, Indo-US Nuke Deal.

And this was what Tendulkar and Dravid were penalised for??

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Look at the inherent lack of criticism in the article (link)

Once this became known through the serialisation of Trescothick's autobiography in a Sunday newspaper, the Australian media gleefully leapt on the news. "The secret behind the devastating swing bowling that took England to its historic 2005 Ashes win has been revealed. They cheated," wrote The Australian. Former players were dredged up to complain about perfidious Albion.
But bowlers have always tried to give themselves an advantage and generally, unless it has been blatant, umpires have turned a blind eye. Suncream-laden sweat or lip balm has the same effect on leather as mint-infused saliva. Why do you think so many bowlers in the 1950s wore Brylcreem? In 1921, Johnny Douglas, the England captain, threatened to report Arthur Mailey, the Australia leg spinner, for using resin to grip the ball. Mailey countered by pointing out that Douglas's thumbnail was worn to the bone by picking at the ball's seam to aid his own bowlers.

And what would have happened if it had been Wasim Akram, or someone else from the sub-continent who wrote that? Why did they punish Sachin, Dravid, if *everyone* is doing it - and Sachin, on the lack of evidence that too!

It aint for nothing that they call it a "gentleman's sport" - the inherent reference being to a white man.

Disgusted.

Dont expect Indian media to do anything about it. or for Trescothick to be punished.

Tag: Cricket, England, Disgust.

Al Qaeda ka kakkidi(cucumber) in Iraq.

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:42:00 +0000

And especially of the freakier kind. Only that would explain these:

Besides the terrible killings inflicted by the fanatics on those who refuse to pledge allegiance to them, Al-Qa'eda has lost credibility for enforcing a series of rules imposing their way of thought on the most mundane aspects of everyday life.

They include a ban on women buying suggestively-shaped vegetables, according to one tribal leader in the western province of Anbar.

Sheikh Hameed al-Hayyes, a Sunni elder, told Reuters: "They even killed female goats because their private parts were not covered and their tails were pointed upward, which they said was haram.

"They regarded the cucumber as male and tomato as female. Women were not allowed to buy cucumbers, only men."

Boy, o boy! So *this* is what the Al Qaeda does when its hiding in the mountains.

On a more sombre note, they were upto their routine jobs:

Most seriously, Sheikh al-Hayyes said: "I saw them slaughter a nine-year old boy like a sheep because his family didn't pledge allegiance to them."

And people *still* wonder why I support the US' occupation/ presence in Iraq.

Tag: Al Qaeda, Iraq, War on Terror, USA .

Anju who?

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:15:00 +0000

Rediff has this article (link via Shadow Warrior) which goes:

"Anju disappoints with three foul jumps" (link)

Anju Bobby George broke a billion hearts on Tuesday when she failed to qualify for the final of the women's long jump at the Beijing Olympics after three consecutive foul jumps.

Now, when was the last time you can actually recall Anju being a medal hope? The article has that too, but still talks of disappointment:

Since attaining her best of 6.83 metres at the Athens Games, where she placed sixth, four years ago, Anju hasn't been in the best of form, but was at least expected to go past the qualifying mark.

On a side note, I have not written of our solitary gold medal winner, Abhinav Bindra, because of my lack of info on him. For pieces on Bindra, read these excellent pieces:

Hartal in Kerala (link)
India doesn't need Olympic pride (link)
The Gold Medal and me (link)
From Athens to Beijing (link)

All the last 3 come from Amit Varma's India Uncut incidentally.

Tag: Olympics, India, Anju George, Medal Hope, 2008, Beijing .

Quote of the Day (courtesy Google Labs)

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:42:00 +0000

Bill Vaughan - "Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them."

Score: After 35 Overs India at 178-4

noreply@blogger.com (BangaloreGuy) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:54:00 +0000

You think it was an ODI? Nope, its the 2nd Test between India and Sri Lanka.
Up until the 31st over, India were 160odd for No Loss - that's right! A century opening Stand. And then, the famed "middle order" tumbled - and how!

Even as Virendar Sehwaag proves time and again that he's the vital battering ram behind which the infantry of Sachin Tendulkar, Raahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly and VVS Laxman arrive, the seniors seem to be having quite a few, umm, "senior" moments!

As Ian Chappell noted, amongst the best things to have happened in the last year was the coming together of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwaag as an opening pair in ODIs - and Suresh Raina seems to have embossed himself in the One-Drop slot. This partnership's transition to Tests is now apparent. But why is the middle order crumbling like a cookie?

Here's what Rediff's report states:

The Indian openers looked determined to counter Mendis in an effective manner as Sehwag hit the mystery spinner for a huge six over long-on and a boundary through the covers in his second over.
Mendis was taken off after giving away 37 runs in his first spell of six overs

Why would you crumble after that? Why go 4 wickets down for nothing - after a start, in Tests where the run rate is upwards of 5 runs an over?

That, is the crucial difference between an Australian side and most others - even 3rd best (by ranking) and 2nd best (according to some pundits) India.

There is also the other big problem - Rahul Dravid's loss of form. In the seasons since 2001, it has invariably been Sehwag giving a start followed by Rahul Dravid's consolidation - with the rest of the middle order, that has won India many series - and pushed it to the ranking it has, currently. Without Dravid, there's only Sehwag - and even though he's in brilliant form, he cant always score a triple hundred. Sometimes, even after he scores 195, in 2 sessions, India goes on to lose! (link)

Tag: Cricket, India, Sehwag, India - SL Tests, 2008, 2nd Test, Batting Collapse.