Opinion Waiting for Obama

Hyderabad based daily Rahnuma-e-Deccan writes,in its editorial on October 29: “as far as President Obama’s friendship with India is concerned,his policies very clearly reveal his priorities. When the issue of reduction of weapons came up,he presented his stand. When the matter of non-proliferation was raised,he clarified his policy. Both these occasions bear witness to the fact that he was certainly not a supporter of India’s stand. On meeting the challenge of terrorism too,he gave priority only to US interests. Other occasions [on which he has stated his policies similarly indicate his objectives.”

Delhi-based daily Hindustan Express in its October 30 editorial criticises the “excessive” involvement of US security agencies in the arrangements for Obama’s visit,while conceding that adequate security has to be provided. It also criticises the lack of reciprocity in security measures and protocol when Indian leaders visit the US.

Sahafat,a daily published from Delhi,Mumbai,Lucknow and Dehradun front-paged on October 27 and 28 prominent Muslim religious leaders’ statements. “Obama se milne se koi faayada nahin” (no use meeting Obama),says vocal Shia leader Kalbe Jawaad. The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid,Imam Bukhari,in Delhi is quoted as asking,“Bechaarey Obama se mil ke hoga bhi kya?” These statements are mainly in the context of Obama’s Middle East policies,and made in view of reports that the US President would like to meet eminent Muslim ulema too along with other intellectuals and opinion-makers during his visit to India.

The interlocutors for Kashmir

Delhi-based daily,Hamara Samaj,in its editorial on October 29 titled ‘Barf Pighalney ke Aasar’ (‘Signs the ice is melting’) welcomes the functioning of the interlocutors appointed by the Central government in sensing the actual views of Kashmiris,in the continuing quest to bring peace and harmony to the state. It writes: “the fact needs emphasis that the violence,continuing for about six months,could be controlled after the all-party delegation visited the state and talked to different parties including separatists. This was followed by the appointment of interlocutors; only time will tell whether they succeed or not.”

Rashtriya Sahara in its editorial of November 2) writes: “It’s not easy to get over the practical difficulties in resolving the problems and grievances of the Kashmiri people… But it is also quite significant that militants lodged in jails have expressed their desire for peace to the interlocutors… This is something that can be described as  a ray of hope.”

Sahafat’s October 26 editorial says: “At least no allegation can be directed at the team of interlocutors that they are victims of communalism or partisanship. The disappointment of Kashmiri leaders cannot be dismissed as being negative. The confidence of the people would have been enhanced if the same team had been led by a reliable political leader… However the team has shown some forward movement.”

Jamaat-e-Islami’s new political role ?

There are indications the Jamaat-e-Islami,which has avoided taking part in politics openly,is about to jump into the political field and possibly launch a political party. The agenda for the ongoing all-India conclave of its members called after eight years — as the editor its journal Daawat,Parvaz Rehmani explains on November 1 — is a response to the feeling “by the leadership of the Jamaat that,although dozens of political parties exist in the country,there is no political group that could endeavour to strengthen the life of the country at large on the basis of devotion to God and high moral values. Therefore,the situation demands a group (or party?) rise that could fill this gap…”     

Compiled by Seema Chishti