Changelings

This refers to Mihir S. Sharma8217;s 8216;Something8217;s changed in Damascus8217;.

8226; This refers to Mihir S. Sharma8217;s 8216;Something8217;s changed in Damascus8217;. I feel the writer is grossly mistaken when he speaks about Syria attempting indirect negotiations with Israel due to its international isolation. In fact it8217;s the other way round. The reasons for this are the soaring losses incurred by Israel as a result of its war on Lebanon in 2006. Israel suffered heavily, with Hizbollah destroying a lot of its military hardware. The reason behind the Israeli overtures to Syria, via Turkish mediation, is the realisation that despite US aid and Israel8217;s nuclear warheads, it can8217;t win a regional war against states or non-state actors like Hizbollah. By talking to Damascus Israel could be having one more shot at neutralising both Hizbollah and Iran. But it may need to think again because Syria is a formidable force and is unlikely to buy an illusive peace.

8212; Mohd Salahuddin

Mumbai

Left with no option

8226; I agree with your leader, 8216;Day of reckoning8217;. The prime minister and the Congress must finally make up their mind whether to act in the national interest or stay in power for a few months more. While weighing the options, the Congress should remember that it might find it difficult to explain to its loyal supporters why it faltered when vital interests of the nation were at stake. This will be a key issue in the next general elections.

Other political parties will also be well-advised to remember that the people of India will not forget who opted for their future and who stuck to narrow political interests.

8212; Satish Dayal

New Delhi

8226; In 8216;Good morning Iran, China8217;, Pranab Dhal Samanta has been forthright in laying the blame for the lack of progress on the Indo-US nuclear deal at the door of the prime minister and the Congress.

There was one promising occasion not long ago when Manmohan Singh dared the Left to withdraw its support; the Congress president also denounced the Left. But, curiously, both retracted and the charade has continued, with the communists merrily dictating to the UPA over the deal. If the UPA were serious about 8220;national and energy security8221;, it could have brought the BJP on board, jettisoning the communists.

8212; M. Ratan New Delhi

Reverse affirmation

8226; The step taken by the Rajasthan government to provide 14 per cent reservation to the economically weaker section among the forward castes is commendable. In a way it was overdue. The effort and investment in education by so-called forward groups is turning out to be a disincentive, especially for the economically weaker sections among them, who face a future of economic ostracisation. A new kind of social injustice has been perpetrated by a democratic state in name of social justice. A new disadvantaged class has emerged. Which is where perhaps the BJP in Rajasthan couldn8217;t miss a vote-bank reality, although the decision will mitigate the wrongs.

8212; Suman Upadhyay

Faridabad