The third way

For all the flak he receives for his column, let us give it to Mani Shankar Aiyar that he has a fantastic feel for, and grasp ...

For all the flak he receives for his column, let us give it to Mani Shankar Aiyar that he has a fantastic feel for, and grasp of, foreign policy 8216;A new map for the world8217; IE, September 30. He makes an unimpeachable case for India to be in pursuit of 8216;8216;independence8217;8217; in concert with countries looking for a participatory world order.

In this policy perhaps we should take on board some enlightened, liberal and democracy-inclined members of the OIC. With the Islamic world fearing an antipathy towards their faith, this is an opportunity to get them realigned on our side.

After all, with our 120 million free franchise- exercising Muslims, we have the moral and mathematical strength to rally for an alternative third pole to match the two other poles represented by the US and EU.
8212; M.B. Kunte, New Delhi

India is still a non-aligned nation. We do not always take an anti-American line, as we once did. Acknowledging that the times have changed we take a position on an issue-by-issue basis.

One somehow gets the feeling that Mani Shankar Aiyar is implicitly calling for an anti-US stance. In his article, he argues that India has more in common with Europe.
8212; R. Somasundaram, On e-mail

This is a prejudiced article expounding an outdated worldview. The author needs to differentiate between blunders of the neocons from the might of America.
8212;Ninad, On e-mail

Tame that ego

Kamla Chowdhry rightly states that if we are prepared to 8216;8216;listen to the voice of the ages8217;8217; IE, September 30, this world would be a much better place to live in.
Truly, in India, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa were embodiments of non-violence and compassion. They individually served as beacons for all around. But today who has the inclination and time to read and learn from their experiences, and more so practice their philosophy? Today even their philosophy is under criticism.

Story continues below this ad

Every 8216;8216;leader8217;8217; today is a self-styled 8216;8216;giant8217;8217; having solutions to all problems in which violence is the common denominator. The feeling that 8216;8216;I am the greatest8217;8217; has permeated all of them, from boxer Muhammad Ali to US President George Bush. Little do they realise that violence begets violence.
8212; F.S.K. Barar, On e-mail

Golden goals

What a superlative performance from the Indian hockey team to defeat Pakistan 4-2 and win the Asian championship in grand style 8216;India shut out a ghost, are Asia No. 18217;, IE, September 29. This victory should go a long way in re-kindling the interest of the people in our country8217;s national game.

Although both the teams played well, the Indians had the upper hand, thanks to sheer professionalism and resolve in sticking to a perfect gameplan.
8212; V. Rajesh, On e-mail

Dhanraj Pillay and his boys must be thanked for having fulfilled the dream of an ailing Jugraj Singh by winning the Asia Cup for the first time. Let8217;s hope that they keep up the good form right up to the Athens Olympics.
8212; Uday D. Patel, On e-mail