1 comment

• hersh

  It is important to understand the stakes and strategies defining the current Indo-Pak confrontation. The two rivals have gone beyond the stage of negotiation, and are testing each others resolve. The next step may be a preemptive strike by one against the other, and from there– war.

  http://businessandstate.blogspot.com/

  I write this with no levity– there is a strong case to be made against a war in the subcontinent. There is, however, also a case to be made in favor of one. I’d make the two, and hope to read your comments and views on the topic.

  for more:
  http://businessandstate.blogspot.com/

  The core thesis I want to run by you is: “India cannot prosper inspite of Pakistan, and Pakistan can prosper because of India.”

  To expand on the statement above, there is no way India can be a flourishing democracy without being a growth-economy. To grow, India needs foreign investment, for which it needs security, which it cannot have if the current relations with Pakistan continue. I hope my words don’t sound critical of Pakistan– it is great country, and a greater nation, though a suffering state. But Pakistan has the potential to hold India back.

  Equally, India has the potential to help Pakistan grow– India, with it’s mercantile success, experience with democracy and liberalism (I would unhesitatingly accept all specific criticisms of Hindu fundamentals,) and progress on property rights — can help Pakistan build a stronger economy, fashion stronger institutions, reverse the politicization of the military, and reduce the exhausting spending on defence.

  26 December 2008, 13:54 pm

  Reply to this