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Shanghai – 6 and regional strategies

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By K.N. Pandita – 15 June 2006 summit meet of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is variously interpreted in political circles. In Washington inquisitive circles would want to know if it is the Chinese version of the now – defunct Warsaw Pact to counter NATO?

The declaration issued after the summit, reflects SCO’s unexplained fears, expectations and warnings. Russia and China, two dominant members of the organization, would like to reassure Washington that the SCO is not intended to be an anti-US bloc, and in a sense, complements her agenda of war against terrorism. However, the hyperbole is difficult to receive easy acceptance.

Indian Prime Minister was the only head of the government among the three observer members (India, Pakistan and Iran) who did not attend the summit. This seemed a very calculated move.

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Retracing the ancient Silk Route

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By K.N. Pandita – On June 18, 2006 Indian and Chinese senior officials met in Beijing to discuss among other bilateral matters the question of setting a date for the opening of Nathu La. The historic event is scheduled to take place this month (June 2006)…

Though Sino-Indian détente could be traced to 1975, yet the visit of the former Prime Minster A.B. Vajpayee to Beijing in 2003 remains a definite landmark in a bid to straighten relations between the two countries. India took a long time to arrive at this stage of mutual relations just because of Beijing’s continued military support to Pakistan unmindful of its anti-India implications.

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From Gang tok to Nathu La

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Seen by Earth Google

Sikkim-China/Tibet-Bhutan frontiers

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Seen by Earth-Google

Sikkim Tibet-China Butan with Lhasa

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Seen by Earth-Google

Nuclear Iran on Slippery Ground

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By K.N. Pandita – The EU envoy had a two-hour long meeting with the Iranian nuclear negotiator Larijani in Tehran. No side is expected to make public the contours of the talks.

Iran has one disadvantage and the western powers plus the US have so far avoided that pitfall. Iran has taken a stance, whipped up public euphoria and got caught up in the mess. Retracing her steps would mean not only hurt ego but also a prospect of political uncertainty.

The US has been holding a stick and a carrot policy towards Iran whereas the three European powers, UK, France and Germany took recourse to astute diplomacy in dealing with the nuclear issue. Russia and China have been holding an olive branch to Teheran.

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The hydra-headed bill

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By K.N. Pandita – Indian President has returned the OBC reservation bill, which the parliament had sent in for his assent. The government is obliged to send the bill to the president when the parliament passes it with a majority vote.

Under constitutional provision, the President has a right to return the bill to the government if he wants clarification in part or in whole or if he has questions on the impact of the bill on various segments of society. Obviously, the President has some doubts and some questions. He has suggested some amendments to the draft bill.

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