• This refers to Arvind Panagariya’s ‘Myths from Mumbai'. The six myths can be condensed into a single Pakistani myth lasting from Jinnah to Zardari. In order for them to be in power, India needs to be projected as a soft state and the Pakistani army needs to be at the head. After all, nothing preserves democratic heads of state and of government in Pakistan like a confrontation with India.— Suman Kukal Chandigarh Heart of the mess • This refers to Muqtedar Khan’s ‘Oh Pakistan!’. Asif Ali Zardari wants to convey the message that he is in control and one would like to believe it’s true. Zardari is speaking along expected lines, as if adhering to a script while his country is in a pathetic state. When civilians are in power in Pakistan, they are busy feathering their nests while kowtowing to American interests; and the army barely relinquishes its power. At the heart of this mess is the feudal nature of the Pakistani army as well as the elected government.— M.K.D. Prasada RaoGhaziabadMiles to go yet• This refers to ‘’Bill’s in: 180 days no bail, Naxals also ‘terrorists”. The time is right for the government and the opposition to join hands, shed their political differences and pass the law. The government must proceed with caution so that the federal investigative agency can operate as an impartial organisation. Nevertheless, it will not succeed without police reform.— B.K. ChatterjeeFaridabad Everybody won • India’s emphatic win in the Chennai Test was as much a real cricketing victory as a symbolic one. Sachin Tendulkar’s century tribute to the martyrs was special. But the cricketing aspect of the win was M.S. Dhoni’s captaincy. Now it’s his responsibility to ensure the success continues. Last but not least, the English team must be congratulated and thanked for returning in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. — Anuvrat AryaNew Delhi Extol them• This refers to ‘Unlikely saviours’. The English cricketers have earned deserving praise for their courage and their expression of solidarity with their Indian counterparts. One might be tempted to draw tenuous, outlandish and illogical analogies with the so-called English “stiff upper lip” and the indomitable English character, with the English grit and stoicism during the Blitz, or even after the July 2005 London bombings. But setting such superlatives aside, we Indians must still thank and congratulate the English cricketers. They are the real winners.— Satish Dayal New Delhi
